The difference between macro and micro nutrients, which is more important? & bull; hello healthy

Your main goal in consuming a food or drink is to get the nutrients contained in it. Basically, there are two types of nutrients that the body needs, namely macro nutrients and micronutrients. What is the difference between macro and micro nutrients? Which one does the body need more of? Or, which nutrients are better consumed more? Here are the differences between macro and micro nutrients.

The main difference between macro nutrients and micronutrients

When viewed from the definition, macro nutrients are nutrients that are needed by the body in larger quantities. Conversely, micronutrients are nutrients that are needed in small amounts in the body. Not only from the amount needed, there are still some differences that make macro and micro nutrients different but are equally needed by the body, namely such as functions, different food sources, and how they work in the body.

ALSO READ: Communication between Nutrients Affects Nutrient Absorption

Macro nutrients as the main ingredients, and micronutrients as the ingredients

Macro nutrients are chemicals that are required for growth, development and for carrying out normal bodily functions. Macronutrients or macro nutrients, play a major role in shaping the body's energy and all metabolic processes. While micronutrients are also useful for maintaining body function and growth, they also tend to play a role in preventing disease. In terms of producing energy or metabolic processes, micronutrients act as cofactors, binders, and become tools of the process, unlike macro nutrients which are the main ingredients of energy production.

The two nutrients have different functions

The use of these two nutrients is actually the same, namely to keep the body's functions running normally and prevent various disorders and diseases from coming. But what is different is the way of working to maintain these bodily functions. Almost all of the uses of macro nutrients are in the production of energy in the body. Macro nutrients are the basic ingredients that the body uses to produce energy. This energy, will be used to carry out activities outside the body, as well as the body's biological processes that require energy.

In general, the functions of macro nutrients are:

• Build muscle
• Build and repair damaged tissue
• Become the main source of energy (carbohydrates) and energy reserves (fat)
• Regulate and maintain normal body temperature
• Maintain the number of cells in the body
• Play a role in the immune system and fertilization
• Play a role in making hormones and enzymes

Meanwhile, micronutrients have a function to synthesize enzymes and hormones, and play a role in keeping all organs and senses functioning properly, such as vitamin A which maintains eye health, vitamin E maintains healthy skin, and so on.

ALSO READ: Can the Cooking Process Eliminate Food Nutrients?

Have a different source

Included with macro nutrients are protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and water. Meanwhile, there are more and varied types of micronutrients compared to macro nutrients, such as antioxidants, various kinds of vitamins and minerals. For food sources, macro nutrients can be found in a variety of staple foods, animal and vegetable protein sources. Meanwhile, micronutrients are more often found in various types of vegetables, fruit and milk.

Lack of both nutrients can cause different health problems

If your diet is not good and right, it is not impossible that you can experience various disorders caused by deficiencies of macro and micro nutrients. Lack of macro nutrients can cause a person to experience kwashiorkor, marasmus, and lack of energy and protein. This of course causes the overall body function to be disrupted.

Meanwhile, deficiency of micronutrients can cause disorders such as:

• Vitamin A deficiency, causing vision problems
• Lack of iron, becomes anemia
• Lack of iodine, can cause goiter
• Thiamin deficiency causes beriberi

Not only lack of nutrients, excess macro and micro nutrients can also be a serious problem

Because macro nutrients are needed in large quantities, excess macro nutrients are more common than micronutrients. Problems that will occur if a person has excess macro nutrients are obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and various other metabolic diseases. Meanwhile, excess micronutrients can cause a person to experience poisoning.

ALSO READ: 4 Nutrients Missing If You Don't Eat Vegetables

So, which one is better: macro nutrients or macro nutrients?

When asked about which amount is needed more, of course, macro nutrients. But still these two types of nutrients are very important for survival. Not only the amount that needs to be considered to meet the nutritional needs in the body, but the quality of food containing a nutrient must be considered.

x