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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #363311
Title: Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients

Author
item MASON, JOEL - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item BOOTH, SARAH - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2019
Publication Date: 9/12/2019
Citation: Mason, J.B., Booth, S.L. 2019. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman, L., Schafer, A.I., editors. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th edition. Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier. p.73-79.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Micronutrients are a diverse array of dietary components necessary to sustain health. The physiologic roles of micronutrients are as a varied as their composition. Some micronutrients are used in enzymes as either coenzymes or prosthetic groups, others as biochemical substrates or hormones; in some instances, the functions are not well defined. Under normal circumstances, the average daily dietary intake required to sustain normal physiologic functions for each micronutrient is measured in milligrams or smaller quantities. In this manner, micronutrients are distinguished from macronutrients, which encompass carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as well as macrominerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chloride. This book chapter reviews the biochemistry, physiology of dietary deficiencies and excess, and the means by which each of these micronutrients can be assessed by the clinician.