Micronutrients

Micronutrients are essential dietary components and play a fundamental role in the prevention of disease. 30 are essential and cannot be synthesized by the body on a daily basis, making dietary sources critical. Micronutrients have an array of biochemical functions which are fundamental in the homoeostatic regulation of body function. It is at any point in a metabolic pathway that the chemical reaction may be unable to continue along its nature cascading pathway because the essential micronutrient is lacking. The normal metabolic regulation of the body will have been disturbed and ill health may occur due to the absence of a specific micronutrients. Several population groups with specific nutritional requirements, complex social, environmental and economic circumstances may be at risk of inadequate micronutrient intakes due to poor consumption or excessive losses, and hence maybe unable to meet their recommended requirements of micronutrients. This group may benefit from micronutrient supplements. Infants/children are a specific population group who are at risk of micronutrient deficiency states making adequate intakes essential to ensure normal growth and development. The paediatric group will be discussed here, with reference to current recommendations for their micronutrient and supplementation requirements based on current evidence available to advisory groups.