Micronutrients
Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals your body needs in small amounts to function properly, support health, and enable performance.
Published by Repit Fitness · Last updated
Key facts
- Include vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
- Needed in small amounts but essential for health.
- Deficiencies can hurt energy, recovery, and performance.
- Best obtained from a varied, whole-food diet.
While macronutrients supply energy, micronutrients make the machinery run. Vitamins and minerals are involved in energy production, oxygen transport, bone health, immune function, and muscle contraction. You only need small amounts, but falling short of key ones — like iron, vitamin D, or magnesium — can quietly sap energy, recovery, and performance.
The most reliable way to cover your micronutrient needs is a varied diet built around vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Supplements can fill specific gaps, but they don't replace the broad nutrition that whole foods provide.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between macros and micros?
Macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) provide calories and are needed in large amounts. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed in small amounts and support body processes without providing energy.
Do I need a multivitamin?
A varied whole-food diet usually covers micronutrient needs. A multivitamin can be useful insurance, especially when dieting hard or eating a restricted range of foods.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before making changes if you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication.
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