top of page
MICRONUTRIENTS
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
RDA (recommended dietary allowance), AI (adequate intake), UL (upper limit)
-
Promoting Vision and Immunity
-
Food Sources: Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach
-
RDA for men: 900 mcg (3,000 IU); RDA for women: 700 mcg (2,333 IU)
-
Acute Deficiency: Night blindness, dry eyes, impaired immunity.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Increased susceptibility to infections, skin issues, vision problems.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
-
Chronic Excess: Liver damage, bone abnormalities, birth defects (during pregnancy).
-
Strengthening Bones and Immune Health
-
Food Sources: Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel), Fortified Dairy Products
-
AI for adults: 15 mcg (600 IU)
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Rickets (in children), osteomalacia (in adults), increased risk of fractures.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting, constipation.
-
Chronic Excess: High calcium levels, kidney stones, organ damage.
-
Antioxidant Defense for Cells
-
Food Sources: Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Spinach
-
RDA for adults: 15 mg (22.4 IU)
-
Acute Deficiency: Muscle weakness, vision issues, impaired immune function.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Nerve damage, anemia.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, diarrhea.
-
Chronic Excess: Impaired blood clotting, hemorrhages.
-
Essential for Blood Clotting and Bone Health
-
Food Sources: Leafy Greens (Kale, Spinach), Broccoli
-
AI for men: 120 mcg; AI for women: 90 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Impaired blood clotting, excessive bleeding.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Increased bruising, bleeding gums.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Boosting Immunity and Collagen Formation
-
Food Sources: Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons), Bell Peppers
-
RDA for men: 90 mg; RDA for women: 75 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, weakened immunity, scurvy.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Delayed wound healing, joint pain.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, abdominal cramps.
-
Chronic Excess: Increased risk of kidney stones.
-
Converting Food into Energy
-
Food Sources: Pork, Whole Grains, Legumes
-
RDA for men: 1.2 mg; RDA for women: 1.1 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, muscle weakness, beriberi.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Nerve damage, cardiovascular issues.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Supporting Cell Growth and Energy Metabolism
-
Food Sources: Milk, Eggs, Almonds
-
RDA for men: 1.3 mg; RDA for women: 1.1 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, skin issues, sore throat.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Anemia, impaired vision.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Essential for Enzyme Function and Energy Production
-
Food Sources: Chicken, Tuna, Peanuts
-
RDA for men: 16 mg; RDA for women: 14 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, skin issues, pellagra.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Digestive problems, mental disturbances.
-
Acute Excess: Flushing, itching.
-
Chronic Excess: Liver toxicity.
-
Metabolizing Nutrients and Hormone Synthesis
-
Food Sources: Avocado, Chicken, Sweet Potatoes
-
AI for adults: 5 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, muscle cramps.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Numbness, digestive issues.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Aiding Nervous System Function and Protein Metabolism
-
Food Sources: Chickpeas, Bananas, Salmon
-
RDA for men: 1.3 mg; RDA for women: 1.3 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, dermatitis.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Nerve damage, anemia.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Nerve damage (neuropathy).
-
Promoting Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails
-
Food Sources: Eggs, Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts), Sweet Potatoes
-
AI for adults: 30 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Skin rashes, hair loss, fatigue.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Nerve issues, depression.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Vital for Cell Division and DNA Synthesis
-
Food Sources: Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale), Lentils, Citrus Fruits
-
RDA for adults: 400 mcg (DFE)
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, anemia.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Increased risk of birth defects, cognitive issues.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Supporting Nerve Function and Red Blood Cell Production
-
Food Sources: Shellfish (Clams, Mussels), Beef, Fortified Cereals
-
RDA for adults: 2.4 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, anemia.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Nerve damage, cognitive issues.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Building Strong Bones and Teeth
-
Food Sources: Dairy Products (Milk, Yogurt, Cheese), Broccoli
-
RDA for adults: 1,000 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Muscle cramps, convulsions.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Osteoporosis, weak bones.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Kidney stones, impaired kidney function.
-
Assisting in Energy Storage and Cellular Communication
-
Food Sources: Fish, Chicken, Pumpkin Seeds
-
RDA for adults: 700 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Muscle weakness, bone pain.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Decreased bone density, weakness.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Nerve Function and Muscle Contraction
-
Food Sources: Spinach, Almonds, Black Beans
-
RDA for men: 400-420 mg; RDA for women: 310-320 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Muscle cramps, weakness, arrhythmias.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Nerve issues, muscle weakness.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, diarrhea.
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Regulating Blood Pressure and Fluid Balance
-
Food Sources: Bananas, Sweet Potatoes, Beans
-
AI for adults: 2,600-3,400 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Hypertension, increased risk of stroke.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
SODIUM
-
Maintaining Fluid Balance and Nerve Function
-
Food Sources: Table Salt, Processed Foods, Cheese
-
AI for adults: 1,500-2,300 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Weakness, confusion, seizures.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Hypertension, increased risk of heart disease.
-
Balancing Body Fluids and Acid-Base Balance
-
Food Sources: Salt (Table Salt, Sea Salt)
-
AI for adults: 2,300 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Muscle cramps, weakness, hypochloremia.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Rare, but may lead to metabolic acidosis.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Oxygen Transport and Enzyme Function
-
Food Sources: Red Meat, Spinach, Lentils
-
RDA for men: 8 mg; RDA for women: 18 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, anemia.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Iron-deficiency anemia, impaired cognitive function.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Organ damage, iron overload disorders.
-
Supporting Immune Function and Wound Healing
-
Food Sources: Oysters, Beef, Pumpkin Seeds
-
RDA for men: 11 mg; RDA for women: 8 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Weak immunity, skin issues, delayed wound healing.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Growth retardation (in children), impaired taste.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Impaired copper absorption, immune suppression.
-
Enabling Iron Absorption and Antioxidant Defense
-
Food Sources: Shellfish (Crab, Lobster), Nuts (Cashews, Hazelnuts)
-
RDA for adults: 900 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, anemia.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Abnormal bone development (in children), nerve issues.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Liver damage, Wilson's disease.
-
Participating in Enzyme Function and Bone Health
-
Food Sources: Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Quinoa), Pineapple
-
AI for men: 2.3 mg; AI for women: 1.8 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Rare but may lead to impaired growth and skeletal development.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Increased risk of bone issues, impaired carbohydrate metabolism.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Manganese toxicity, manganism (resembling Parkinson's disease).
-
Antioxidant Support and Immune Function
-
Food Sources: Brazil Nuts, Tuna, Eggs
-
RDA for adults: 55 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, muscle weakness, impaired immunity.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Increased risk of certain diseases, thyroid issues.
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, diarrhea.
-
Chronic Excess: Selenosis (skin rashes, hair loss).
-
Essential for Thyroid Hormone Production
-
Food Sources: Seaweed, Cod, Dairy Products
-
RDA for adults: 150 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Fatigue, weight gain, goiter (enlarged thyroid).
-
Chronic Deficiency: Hypothyroidism, cognitive impairment (in children).
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Promoting Dental Health and Preventing Cavities
-
Food Sources: Fluoridated Water, Tea
-
AI for men: 4 mg; AI for women: 3 mg
-
Acute Deficiency: Increased risk of dental cavities.
-
Chronic Deficiency: N/A
-
Acute Excess: Nausea, vomiting.
-
Chronic Excess: Dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis (in severe cases).
-
Enhancing Insulin Function and Glucose Metabolism
-
Food Sources: Broccoli, Grapes, Whole Grains
-
AI for men: 35 mcg; AI for women: 25 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance.
-
Chronic Deficiency: Increased risk of diabetes.
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
-
Facilitating Enzyme Activities and Nitrogen Metabolism
-
Food Sources: Legumes (Lentils, Peas), Nuts (Almonds, Cashews)
-
RDA for adults: 45 mcg
-
Acute Deficiency: Rare but may affect enzyme function.
-
Chronic Deficiency: N/A
-
Acute Excess: N/A
-
Chronic Excess: N/A
bottom of page