Micronutrients explained - definition & tips for purchase & use

Micronutrients are substances in our food without which human beings could not survive. Unlike macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat), they do not provide energy. As the tools of our metabolism, they are involved in the basic biological functions of our body. Depending on the area of application, they ensure that we live, grow and “are human” in all our possible manifestations. Since micronutrients cannot be produced by our body or only in insufficient concentrations, these substances must be supplied through food – and regularly and in sufficient quantities.

Micronutrients primarily include vitamins, minerals and trace elements. In an expanded interpretation of the term micronutrients, other substances are also included – among others proteinogenic amino acids and omega fatty acids, but also vitamin-like substances (= vitaminoids), botanicals, enzymes, fibre and special bacterial cultures such as intestinal bacteria.

Macronutrients (= carbohydrates, protein, fat) are the main components of our food. They are required in large quantities by our body, which uses them as fuel or – after conversion – building materials. In contrast, there are – depending on the definition – around 45 micronutrients that our bodies need in significantly smaller amounts. These substances generally do not provide energy, but are essential for the smooth running of our metabolism and thus for our lives.

Micronutrients are the cogs of our lives. Whether your nails are growing, your heart beating, you’re having a light-bulb moment or just sneezing, micronutrients are involved in every aspect of these actions.

For everything in our body to run smoothly, each of the essential micronutrients must be available in optimal concentrations in the right place and at the right time. We can imagine these substances as the gears of a highly complex watch. Thousands of small and large gears keep the human “clock” running. If only one of them is missing or weakened in its task, the entire mechanism will suffer.

In addition to the essential (= vital) micronutrients, there are also semi-essential micronutrients (e.g. arginine, glutamine). These substances are normally produced by our body in sufficient quantities. However, in certain life situations (growth, exceptional stress, etc.), the need can exceed the body's own supply and an additional external supplement is necessary.

If you are interested in health, nutrition and/or micronutrients, you will at some stage wonder how well your body is supplied with micronutrients. Special laboratory diagnostic tests (also at BIOGENA Plazas), preferably carried out on whole blood, can answer this question in more detail and show you the state of your own micronutrient supply and where you need more.

Furthermore, the BIOGENA Wellbeing Check offers an easy and convenient solution. With just a few drops of blood, you can test over 15 essential biomarkers like Vitamin D, Omega-3, Iron, and more in the comfort of your own home.

Eating isn’t just for enjoyment. Every food we eat also provides an individual, more or less broad range of nutrients. In order to provide the body with micronutrients in the best possible way, the DGE (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung [German Nutrition Society]) recommends eating a balanced and wholesome diet. Here, diversity should be emphasised, the most natural foods (e.g. fruit, vegetables, grain products, high-quality oils and protein suppliers) should be used and a gentle preparation should be used (e.g. steaming, boiling).

In addition to nutrition, nutritional supplements can also assist with the supply of micronutrients in a targeted way. Since these products are often taken over several weeks to months, high-quality products that are as free from unnecessary additives as possible should be given preference.

If you search the internet for a micronutrient preparations, you will find a multifaceted kaleidoscope of powders, capsules, tablets, drops, sprays or even more unusual pharmaceutical forms. The great advantage of capsules, as produced at BIOGENA using manufacturing standards, is that unnecessary additives (e.g. binding agents, anti-caking agents, coatings) can be dispensed with. Powder or liquid capsules are characterised by their hygiene and neutral taste thanks to their encapsulation and the possibility of precise dosing and are easier to take on the go. Depending on the micronutrient, liquid pharmaceutical forms as drops or sprays are very expedient and pleasant to use, especially for people who do not like swallowing capsules.