By Zhi Wei & John
Substance which are required in small
quantity for normal body function
e.g. minerals & vitamins.
 Required ﹤0.005% of
body weight
 Do NOT produce energy
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Very small amount of inorganic ions required
for the function of the body
Used for STRONG bones and teeth e.g. Ca,
Mg & P; formation of hormones, enzymes;
and maintaining of fluid levels.
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Organic compounds required for metabolism,
to protect health and for proper growth in
children.
Vitamins generally are catalysis, which
combines with proteins to create enzymes
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Various vitamins are not chemically related
and most differ in their structures and
physiological action
Fat soluble vitamins (e.g. A, D, E & K)
◦ Contain Long hydrocarbon groups

Water soluble vitamins (e.g. B & C)
◦ Contain highly polar OH groups
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Conformers:
◦ they are isomers which differ only in rotation
around a single bond.
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Vitamin A
◦ Long carbon chain, one OH group and alternate
double and single bonds
◦ Fat soluble
◦ light sensitive due to many conjugated double
bonds

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
◦ Five-membered ring containing an O atom; four OH
groups
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Substance that are required in relatively large
amounts (﹥0.005% of body weight)
E.g. proteins, fats, carbohydrates and
minerals (Na, Mg, K, ca, P, S and Cl)
Macronutrients such as proteins, fats and
carbohydrates produce energy
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Malnutrition: the insufficient, excessive or
imbalanced consumption of nutrients.
Income disparities, lack of economic
opportunities and poor eating habits and so
on
Micronutrients
affect
Iron (Fe)
aneamia (blood disorder)
Iodine (I)
goitre (enlarge of thyroid
gland)
Retinol (vitamin A)
Causes dry eyes; night
blindness
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Scurvy (bleeding lesions on
the legs)
Calciferol (vitamin D)
Softening of bones
Macronutrients
affect
Proteins
Adema (swelling), fatigue,
muscle weakness, slow
growth
Calcium Ca
osteoporosis
Sodium Na
cramps