**2.2 Essential nutrients for health**

Our daily consumed foods include bread, rice, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Each of them is composed of various nutrients, which are each characterized by its unique chemical composition. Each has its own function; however, they work together to complete body's functions. Food nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, and water. Fiber is likewise a fundamental part of our eating routine [2].

Macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) are those that the body requires in huge quantities to give energy and maintain growth, whereas micronutrients including vitamins and minerals are those nutrients required in lesser quantities to help normal health and body functions [1].

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*Nutritional Considerations of Vitamin D Deficiency and Strategies of Food Fortification*

Macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) are energy-providing

• Carbohydrates: consist of the three main constituents: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are made of 3 groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are single unit carbs such as glucose. Disaccharides are composed of two sugars connected together. An example of this class is lactose, which is known as milk sugar. Polysaccharides are those formed by more than two sugars and are generally more complex chains such

• Fats: is an essential part of our body. Fat serves a vital role in protecting the cells and tissues of the essential organs in our body such as brain and heart. Food fats are composed of solid fats, fluid oils, fat-soluble vitamins, and cholesterol. Fats contain oxygen less than carbohydrates. Hence, 1 g of lipids gives the body more energy than carbohydrates (9 Cal/g of fat compared to 4

• Proteins: are huge natural compounds. Proteins, similar to starches and fats, contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Likewise, proteins contain around 16% nitrogen, which differentiates them from starches and fats. Proteins are used

Nutrients required in little quantities to have healthy and normal body functions

• Minerals: are inorganic elements that are not broken down by digestion, absorption, or heat. Minerals support with the regulation of body functions

Minerals are needed for body-building; enhancing bones, teeth, and structural parts of soft tissues; muscle contraction; clotting of blood; and nerve

• Vitamins: are organic compounds that assist in controlling physiological

processes [1]. They engage in various activities throughout the entire body and

Water represents around 60 percent of the body weight. It is necessary for the

Vitamins (natural carbon-containing composites) adjust many of the body's processes [1]. They are available in small amounts; however, they are essential for physiological functions as growth and development. Vitamins can work as antioxidants, cofactors in metabolic oxidation-reduction responses, and

use of food materials in the body and for disposal of food excess later on [2].

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89612*

as starch and dextrin [2].

Cal/g of carbohydrates) [2].

*2.2.2 Micronutrients*

stimuli [2].

*2.2.3 Water*

**2.3 Vitamins**

hormones [4].

are "micronutrients" [1].

mainly for growth and development purposes [2].

and are classified into major and trace minerals [1].

help in the release of energy from the macronutrients [3].

*2.2.1 Macronutrients*

nutrients [1].

**Figure 1.** *Factors contributing to individual wellness [1].* *Nutritional Considerations of Vitamin D Deficiency and Strategies of Food Fortification DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89612*
