The dictionary definition of “nutrient” is something that provides nourishment, which is a broad definition. But in the field of nutrition and diet, nutrients are more specific. In fact, there are six specific categories of nutrients, all of which are necessary to sustain life.
6 Major Categories of Nutrients
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Minerals
- Proteins
- Vitamins
- Water
Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients
Humans like to put things into categories because it’s easy to remember what they do and we can compare and contrast them with other things. In nutrition, we often group nutrients by size or what they do in the body. We start with two groups, micronutrients and macronutrients (water is usually left alone in its own group).
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are called macronutrients because they’re large, and energy nutrients because they provide the fuel your body needs to do things. Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients because they’re much smaller in comparison. That doesn’t mean they’re less important; they’re still essential nutrients, but you only need little bits.
Micronutrients can be classified by whether they’re soluble in fat or soluble in water. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, and the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble. Minerals are grouped as major minerals or trace minerals, depending upon how much of each mineral is necessary.
You can also group nutrients by whether or not they are organic, by which we mean organic chemistry, not organic farming or food production. Water and minerals are inorganic while all the rest are organic because they contain carbon atoms.
Why Nutrients Matter
Nutrients are important for proper health and development. The following are a variety of the key reasons that the nutrients in your food matter.
They Provide Energy
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide the energy your body needs to carry out all the biochemical reactions that occur throughout the day (and night). The energy is measured in calories (kilocalories, technically, but we usually just call them calories). Gram for gram, fat has more calories than either carbohydrates or protein; one gram fat has nine calories, and the other two have four calories per gram.
They’re Needed for Body Structures
Fats, proteins, and minerals are used as raw materials to build and maintain tissues, organs and other structures such as bones and teeth. Carbohydrates aren’t on this list, but your body can take any extra carbohydrates and convert them into fat, which can be stored in adipose tissue.
They Regulate Body Functions
Nutrients help regulate body functions. All six classes are involved in regulating various body functions such as sweating, temperature, metabolism, blood pressure, thyroid function, along with many others. When all of the different functions are in balance, your body is said to be in homeostasis.
What Are Phytonutrients?
You might have read about phytonutrients, which aren’t included in the major classes. Phytonutrients are chemical compounds found in plants that offer potential health benefits. There are many different names for phytonutrients such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, flavones, isoflavones, catechins, and anthocyanidins. Phytonutrients that are commonly referred to include beta carotene, lycopene, and resveratrol.
Emerging studies are investigating the role that phytonutrients play in human health. Some researchers believe that they can provide substantial benefits. But since they typically occur in foods that are also nutritious, it can be difficult to know how much of the health benefit is due to the regular nutrients or the phytonutrients.
Some better-known phytonutrients include polyphenols and carotenoids.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest so it doesn’t provide energy or structure. Fiber is necessary for digestive system function because it adds bulk to stool, so it is easier to eliminate. There are two types of fiber: soluble fiber that dissolves in water and insoluble fiber that doesn’t dissolve.
