Nutrients are available from:

• foodstuff

where the majority of nutrients are naturally present

• additive in foodstuff and beverages

e.g. carotenes, antioxidants

• other sources

e.g. vitamin D manufactured from exposure to sunlight

e.g. supplements

Nutrients are required in the body mainly for:

• Growth
  e.g. of bones, lean tissue
• Energy
  e.g. for activity
  e.g. energy can be stored in the body, such as body fat
• Maintaining health
  e.g. of blood, bones, metabolism
  
  
  
  

Macronutrients & Micronutrients

Nutrients are divided into two groups according to the amount we need to consume:

• macronutrients: nutrients needed in lager amount: carbohydrates, proteins and fats
• micronutrients: nutrients needed in smaller amounts: vitamins and minerals

Note:

Nutrients are that are not used immediately are stored in the body for later use:

Macronutrients	Carbohydrates are stored in the liver or muscle Proteins are essentially stored in muscle Fats are stored in fat cells or in muscle
Micronutrients	Stored mainly in fat cells and the liver, although water soluble vitamins are not stored.