Question

What causes depletion of micronutrients?

Answer 1

Micronutrients:

1. The nutrients required in trace amounts but are essential for the body are known as micronutrients.
2. Micronutrients are required for optimal physiological functioning and sustaining of life.
3. Micronutrients required for the body are boron, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, molybdenum and chlorine.
4. When the body does not get enough or required amount of micronutrients it leads to the deficiency of micronutrients.
5. Deficiency of micronutrients causes imbalance in the body and can lead to serious infections and illness.

Causes of micronutrient depletion:

1. Deficiency of vitamins like vitamin A and some minerals like iron and zinc lead to the depletion of micronutrients.
2. Long term shortage of nutritious food can cause the depletion of micronutrients.
3. Intestinal infections by worms lead to the depletion of micronutrients through vomit and feces.

Example: Most common example of micronutrient depletion is iron deficiency.