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Essential Nutrients
Essential nutrients are those nutrients derived from food that the body is unable to manufacture on its own. These are mandatory for human life and include, of the following, at least:
* Eight amino acids
* Thirteen vitamins
* Fifteen minerals
* Certain specific fatty acids
* Water
* Carbohydrates
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The most essential amino acids are:
* L-isoleucine
* L-leucine
* L-valine
* L-methionine
* L-threonine
* L-phenylalanine
* L-tryptophan
Essential vitamins are broken up into two groups:
* Fat-soluble
* Water soluble
The most essential fat-soluble vitamins include:
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin D
* Vitamin E
* Vitamin K
The most essential water-soluble vitamins are:
* Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
* Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
* Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
* Vitamin B3 (niacin)
* Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
* Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
* Vitamin B12
* Folic acid
* Biotin
The primary essential minerals include:
* Calcium
* Magnesium
* Phosphorus
* Iron
* Zinc
* Copper
* Manganese
* Iodine
* Chromium
* Potassium
* Sodium
* Trace elements
Essential minerals make-up part of the necessary elements for:
* Body tissues
* Fluids
* Other nutrients
* Assist the body's regulatory system
Low levels of essential nutrients have been linked to:
* Heart disease
* High blood pressure
* Cancer
* Osteoporosis
* Depression
* Schizophrenia
* Problems with menopause
Essential fatty acids found in seafood and unrefined vegetable oil include:
* Linoleic acid
* Linolenic acid
Important fatty acids found in organic fats, oils, and peanuts are:
* Oleic acid
* Arachidonic acid
There are also many non-essential nutrients called accessory nutrients or co-factors that work in harmony with the essential nutrients. These will be featured in an article in next month's newsletter.
Posted May 2004 | Permanent Link
Other Articles In The January Issue
- Introduction
- Healthy Feedback
- Trace Your Minerals - Part 1
- Trace Your Minerals - Part 2
- Tummy Talk - Always Listen To Your Liver Series
- Q & A with Dr. Hull
- Did You Know?
- Healthy Recipes
- Extra Help In School
Other Articles In This Category
- A Love Story - Candida Loves Sugar - December 2008
- The Heaviest Element Known To Science - December 2008
- Learn To Listen When Your Kidneys Do The Talking - Part 1 - November 2008
- Learn To Listen When Your Kidneys Do The Talking - Part 2 - November 2008
- The Acai (ah-sigh-ee) Berry - November 2008
