Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Why the body needs nutrients

Food gives the body the nutrients it needs to work. They fall into two families. Macronutrients, meaning carbohydrate, protein and fat, are needed in large amounts and provide energy, growth and warmth. Micronutrients, meaning vitamins and minerals, are needed in only small amounts but are vital for keeping the body healthy. Getting too little of a nutrient causes a deficiency, which can make a person unwell. This module looks at what each nutrient does, which foods provide it, and what happens when it is missing.

Nutrient words to know

Learn these before you study any food. They name the two families of nutrients and what happens when one runs short.

Pair the nutrient with its job

Large amounts against small amounts

Both families of nutrient matter, but the body needs very different quantities of each. That is the difference between a macronutrient and a micronutrient.

Which nutrient is needed?

A person needs a nutrient to grow and to repair damaged muscle after exercise. Which nutrient is this?

• Protein
• Carbohydrate
• Fat
• Calcium

Name the nutrient, then its job

In the exam, do not just name a food; name the nutrient it provides and what that nutrient does. Do not stop at cheese is good for you. Say that cheese provides protein for growth and repair and calcium for strong bones. Nutrient, function and a food source: give all three and you show real understanding, not just a list of foods.

Pick the protein foods

Select every food below that is a good source of protein.

• Eggs
• Fish
• Beans
• Butter
• Sugar

Order a nutrient from plate to body

Put these steps in order, following a nutrient from the plate to doing its job in the body.

• You eat a food containing the nutrient
• The food is digested and broken down
• The nutrient is absorbed into the blood
• The blood carries it to where it is needed
• The body uses it for its job, such as energy or repair
• Any spare is stored or removed

Complete the nutrient facts

A nutrient the body needs in large amounts is a _____. A nutrient needed in only small amounts is a _____. The nutrient for growth and repair is _____. The illness caused by too little of a nutrient is a _____.

One meal, many nutrients

Think about a plate of grilled fish, potatoes and green vegetables. Each part brings different nutrients. The fish gives protein for growth and repair. The potatoes give carbohydrate for energy. The green vegetables give vitamin C, which helps the body fight illness and heal, and iron for healthy blood. A little oil used in cooking adds fat, a store of energy. One balanced plate delivers macronutrients for energy and repair and micronutrients to keep the body working. Naming what each food brings, and why, is the heart of this topic.

Spot the deficiency

Tap the TWO statements that correctly describe the effect of a nutrient deficiency.

• Too little iron can leave a person tired and short of healthy red blood cells
• Too little calcium can weaken the bones over time
• Too much water is the main cause of weak bones
• Protein is only ever needed in tiny amounts, like a vitamin

Match food to the need

Each person has a nutritional need. Choose the best advice.

• A growing teenager needs to build and repair muscle. Which nutrient should they be sure to get?
• Someone is often tired and pale, and low on healthy red blood cells. Which mineral might help?
• A young child needs strong bones and teeth. Which nutrient matters most here?

Build a nutrition point

Choose the word for each gap to complete one clear nutrition point.

Quick-fire nutrient check

Answer each question. You have three lives, and losing them all restarts the run.

Explain macronutrients and micronutrients

A friend thinks all nutrients are the same and only come from vitamins. Explain the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients and why the body needs both.

• Explain what a macronutrient is and give two examples
• Explain what a micronutrient is and give two examples
• Explain the job of protein and of carbohydrate
• Explain the job of one mineral and one vitamin
• Explain what a deficiency is