What are the 6 essential nutrients？
Vitamins, minerals, protein, lipids, water, and carbohydrates comprise the six essential nutrients. Dietary sources of these nutrients are required for optimal body function.
Vitamins
Vitamins are micronutrients that provide a variety of health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, preventing or delaying certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, strengthening teeth and bones, facilitating calcium absorption, maintaining healthy skin, assisting the body in metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates, promoting healthy blood, and promoting healthy brain and nervous system function.
A person who consumes a diet abundant in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins can typically obtain all the vitamins they require from their food. Those who consume fewer fruits and vegetables and those with digestive disorders may need to take a vitamin supplement to prevent or reduce vitamin deficiency.
Minerals
The second type of micronutrients is minerals. There are two distinct types of minerals: primary and trace. For optimal health, the body requires a balance of minerals from both categories.
Magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, potassium, and chloride are the major minerals. Trace minerals are: iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, chromium, copper, iodine, fluoride, molybdenum.
Protein
Every cell in the body requires protein in order to function effectively. Proteins can be consumed through the diet. Even though meats and fish typically contain the highest levels of protein, vegans and vegetarians can obtain sufficient protein from a variety of plant foods.
Fats
People frequently associate fatty foods with poor health. Nonetheless, certain lipids are necessary for optimal health.
Fats supply the body with energy and enable it to perform a variety of functions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consume healthy lipids, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and to limit or avoid saturated and trans fats.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are necessary for life. These carbohydrates and grains provide energy to all of the body's cells and tissues. Simple and complex carbohydrates are the two categories of carbohydrates. The consumption of basic carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, and rice, should be limited.
Water
Water is most likely the most essential nutrient a person requires. A person can only subsist without water for a few days. Even mild dehydration can result in migraines and impaired physical and cognitive function.
The majority of the human body is composed of water, and every cell requires water to function. Tap water or bottled water that is natural and unadulterated is the finest source of water. For those who dislike the flavor of pure water, lemon or other citrus fruits can be added.
Summary
A person who consumes a healthy, balanced diet consisting of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, and water will typically obtain the nutrients they require. People with digestive issues, who take certain medications, or who suffer from other conditions may require dietary supplements to ensure adequate nutrient absorption. Before beginning to take supplements, a person should discuss any medical conditions and medications they are currently taking with their doctor.
資料來源：Jenna Fletcher (2019), “What are the 6 essential nutrients? ”. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326132