Macronutrients are nutrients needed in vast amounts for human growth and development, whereas micronutrients are nutrients needed in little quantities by the human body. Micronutrients and macronutrients are required by the body to maintain healthy muscles, skin, brain, blood flow, bones, nerves, and the immune system (Savarino et al., 2021). The macronutrients impact many aspects, including metabolism, hormone synthesis, cell structure, and the immune system. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals that the body needs in smaller amounts. They serve various purposes, including allowing the body to manufacture enzymes and hormones required for growth and development.
Large amounts of macronutrients are essential for the optimal functioning of the whole body. Examples of macronutrients include carbohydrates, which are often ingested in significant amounts. Carbohydrates are rich in fiber and should be ingested in big amounts to encourage human development. Macronutrients, as opposed to micronutrients, are designed to promote growth explicitly (Savarino et al., 2021). They include calories that assist supply energy to the body. For the body to operate correctly, it must have adequate energy to support the operations of many organs; otherwise, weariness may result.
Micronutrients are mostly derived from minerals, which are found in lower quantities and cannot be ingested in significant amounts. In contrast to macronutrients, micronutrients do not include calories that provide energy but are mainly composed of large quantities of antioxidants. These antioxidants are crucial in protecting the body from various ailments (Savarino et al., 2021). In addition, it can be noticed that micronutrients are essential for producing enzymes and other substances that enhance various physiological processes.
Exercise triggers a carefully coordinated interaction of the body’s physiological functions to produce the necessary skeletal muscle contractions. To accomplish this, the body requires Carbohydrates, Fats, and Proteins, which provide the necessary energy to power exercise. A large percentage of energy is provided by fat, followed by carbohydrates, while proteins provide far less energy during rest or typical activity (Kovalskys et al., 2018). Fat may be used as energy for low to moderately intense aerobic exercise since most energy consumed is derived from glycogen and muscle sugar degradation. Additionally, vitamins and minerals as micronutrients are required for energy production, bone health, and hemoglobin production.
Ultimately, micronutrients are needed in little amounts by the body, whereas macronutrients are required in large numbers. Macronutrients are necessary for body function, while micronutrients are generally derived from minerals, which are rare and cannot be consumed in large amounts.
References
Kovalskys, I., Fisberg, M., Gómez, G., Pareja, R. G., Yépez García, M. C., Cortés Sanabria, L. Y., Herrera-Cuenca, M., Rigotti, A., Guajardo, V., Zalcman Zimberg, I., Nogueira Previdelli, A., Moreno, L. A., & Koletzko, B. (2018). Energy intake and food sources of eight Latin American countries: Results from the Latin American study of nutrition and health (ELANS). Public Health Nutrition, 21(14), 2535–2547.
Savarino, G., Corsello, A., & Corsello, G. (2021). Macronutrient balance and micronutrient amounts through growth and development. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 47(1), 1-14.
