Micronutrients are nutrients that are required by the body in lesser amounts for its growth and development. They play a major role in the metabolic activities of the body. These include vitamins and minerals.

Since our body cannot produce vitamins and minerals, they are taken externally from different food products. The micronutrient content for every food is different; therefore, it is advisable to eat varieties of food for enough vitamin and mineral consumption.

These micronutrients help in preventing and fighting certain diseases. However, they should be taken in adequate quantities: excess intake or inadequate intake results in several disorders such as visual impairment, mental retardation, etc.

Micronutrients, i.e., vitamins and minerals can be divided into the following types:

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Most of the vitamins can be dissolved in water. They are difficult to store in the body and get flushed out in urine when consumed in large quantities. They play an important role in producing energy. Since they are not stored in the body, it is important to take them enough from different food sources.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

These vitamins do not dissolve in water. These are stored in the liver and fatty tissues for future use. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are important fat-soluble vitamins. They play a major role in the proper functioning of the immune system, proper bone development, proper vision, and protection of cells from damage.

Micromineral's

These are required in higher amounts as compared to the trace minerals. The important macrominerals and their functions include:

• Calcium- For the proper structure and function of bones.
• Phosphorus – Cell membrane structure
• Magnesium- Enzyme reactions
• Sodium- Fluid balance and maintenance of blood pressure
• Chloride- Maintains fluid balance and formation of digestive juices.
• Potassium- Nerve impulse transmission and muscle function.
• Sulphur- present in all the living tissues

Trace Minerals

These are required in very small amounts, but perform various important functions in our body. Iron, manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, fluoride, and selenium are some of the important trace minerals required by the body

• Micronutrients are the elements required by us in small quantities.
• Iron, cobalt, chromium, iodine, copper, zinc, molybdenum are some of the micronutrients.
• Deficiency of any of the nutrients affects growth and development.
• Micronutrients in plants are beneficial for balanced nutrition of crops. These support all the biological functions of a plant.
• Their deficiency leads to stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis, delayed maturity, and senescence.
• The micronutrients in plants bind actively to the soil particles and are highly soluble under acidic conditions.
• Micronutrients deficiency