Bifalgorithm post

Let's go over the fundamentals of nutrition. A nutrient is a substance that provides nourishment essential for life, and there are two types of nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are required for energy, and the body needs large amounts of these nutrients. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Micronutrients are required for proper body functioning, and the body needs only small amounts of these nutrients. They include all vitamins and minerals. Vitamins can be further divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water, are carried through body tissues, and are excreted in urine, so they require regular intake through diet or supplementation and have a low risk of toxicity. These include all B vitamins and Vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in fatty tissues and the liver for longer periods, giving them a higher risk of toxicity. They also require dietary fat for absorption and include Vitamins A, D, E, and K, often remembered as the “fat deck of cards.” Minerals can be divided into macrominerals, also known as electrolytes, and microminerals, also known as trace minerals. Electrolytes are needed in larger amounts and play important roles in cardiac, neurological, bone, and muscle function. These include potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts and help enzymes function and support metabolic processes. These include iron, zinc, copper, iodine, and many others. I hope you found this overview helpful, and be sure to check out the full nutrition study sheets from Nursing School Success.

Let's go over the fundamentals of nutrition. A nutrient is a substance that provides nourishment essential for life, and there are two types of nutrients: macr…