What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients refer to vitamins and minerals that are essential for various bodily functions, but are required in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining health, supporting the immune system, facilitating cellular functions, and promoting growth and development.

Vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins, and minerals, such as iron and zinc, are vital for numerous biochemical processes in the body. They aid in energy production, bone health, and fluid balance, among other critical functions. An adequate intake of these micronutrients is necessary to prevent deficiencies, which can lead to serious health issues.

The other choices refer to larger categories of nutrients or focus on macronutrients, which are required in greater quantities for energy and overall bodily functions, but they do not encompass the definition of micronutrients.