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Micronutrients and Macronutrients Differences in Biology Import Concepts Must to Know

Question. Difference Between Micronutrients and Macronutrients.

Answer:

Macronutrients:

  • The substances that comprise a major portion of our staple food and give us the energy we need to move, breathe, sleep, and properly function.
  • Macro and micronutrients differ in several ways, the primary being the units they are measured in. Macros are measured in terms of grams, for example, 1 gram of protein or fat.

Macronutrients consist of the following three major categories of nutrients:

  1. Proteins: These are the nutrients that are usually found in food items such as eggs, dairy products like cottage cheese, fish, soy, and tofu.
  2. Fats: These are the nutrients that are found in food items such as meat, different kinds of nuts, oil, butter, milk, and cheese.
  3. Carbohydrates: Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, corn, grains, and even some fruits are very rich sources of carbohydrates.

Micronutrients:

  • Substances that are consumed in minimal amounts, and this helps to ensure the growth and healthy development of the body.
  • Micronutrients are, on the other hand, measured in much smaller units such as milligrams and micrograms. Green vegetables and fruits that are chock-full of vitamins and minerals contain an abundance of micronutrients.
  • Some of these include Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Calcium, Iron, Folate.
Table of Difference between Micronutrients and MacronutrientsTable of Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients
Differentiating PropertyMicronutrientsMacronutrients
RequirementMicro-nutrients are required in small or tiny amount/quantity on a daily basis.Macro-nutrients are required in larger amount/quantity on a daily basis.
FunctionMicro-nutrients support macro-nutrients to carry out bodily functions. They are also an essential component for building healthy brain, body and bones.Macro-nutrients is essential for growth, repair and develop new tissues (carbohydrates) , maintain body temperature (fats) , conduct nerve impulses, and regulate life process.
Benefits/advantagesMicro-nutrients contribute to body growth and disease prevention.

Micro-nutrients comprise of high volume of antioxidants which protects the body against various diseases.

Macro-nutrients contribute to the bulk energy needed for the metabolic system.

Macro-nutrients provide calories that gives energy to the body.

RoleMicro-nutrients do not have any role in the construction of body composition.Macro-nutrients play a vital role in the construction of body composition.
ConcentrationMicro-nutrients are present in minute concentration inside the body.Macro-nutrients are available in high concentration inside the body.
Composition/known asMicro-nutrients are also called trace elements.Macro-nutrients are also called as major elements.
Food compositionMainly vegetables, fruits, eggs, green leafy vegetables, fermented foods are rich in micro-nutrients.Cereals, legumes, meat, fish, yams, potatoes, nuts, oilseeds are rich in macro-nutrients.
Types and examplesDifferent types of micro-nutrients required by the body include vitamins, minerals and trace elements.There are mainly three macro-nutrients required by the body; carbohydrate, protein and fats.
QuantityMicro-nutrients are not classified in different types, as it is required in trace amount.Macro-nutrients are divided into two classes: Primary and Secondary, as they are required in large quantities.
CompositionMicro-nutrients include zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum and chlorine in trace quantities.Primary macro-nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in larger quantities.

Secondary macro-nutrients include calcium, magnesium, and sulphur in lesser quantity.

ToxicityMicro-nutrients are toxic if present exorbitantly in the cell than the required amount.Macro-nutrients are normally not toxic to the cell if they are present in comparatively higher concentration than in the normal level.
Excessive ingestionExcessive consumption of micro-nutrients leads to suppressing immune function.Excessive intake of micro-nutrients leads to obesity and diabetes.
Consequences of deficiencyDeficiency of micro-nutrients causes different diseases like night blindness, beriberi, scurvy, Goitre etc.Deficiency of macro-nutrients causes Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) , Kwashiorkor, marasmus etc.
Consequences of overdoseOverdose of micro-nutrients may harm specific organs of the body. E. g. : overdose of vitamins affect liver.Overdose of macro-nutrients causes obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.
ExampleProteins, fiber, carbohydrates, and fats are examples of micro-nutrients.Antioxidants, Minerals, and Vitamins are examples of macro-nutrients.
SourcesAre found abundantly in cereals, fish, legumes, meat, nuts, oilseeds, potatoes, yam, etc.Are found in fruits, vegetables, eggs, fermented foods, green leafy vegetables, etc.