Essential nutrients
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Essential Nutrients: Understanding Their Importance and Roles
Expanding the Definition of Essential Nutrients
The concept of essential nutrients has traditionally been limited to those compounds necessary for basic physiological functions and survival. However, recent research suggests that this definition may need to be broadened to include non-classical compounds with significant bioactivity. For instance, dietary fiber, plant sterols, and polyphenols have shown potential to meet criteria for essentiality under certain conditions, indicating that our understanding of essential nutrients should evolve to reflect advances in nutritional science 1.
Essential Nutrients in Plant Life
Key Elements for Plant Growth
Plants require a variety of essential nutrients to complete their life cycle. These include macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). The "law of the minimum," proposed by Baron Justus von Liebig, states that plant growth is determined by the scarcest nutrient available, emphasizing the importance of a balanced nutrient supply 2.
Functional Nutrients in Plants
In addition to essential nutrients, certain elements like sodium (Na) play specific roles in plant metabolism, particularly in C4 plants where Na is crucial for carbon dioxide concentration. This has led to the proposal of classifying such elements as "functional nutrients," which, while not essential for all plants, significantly enhance growth and efficiency in specific contexts 7.
Essential Nutrients for Human Health
Choline: A Critical Nutrient
Choline is vital for the synthesis of membrane phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Studies have shown that a choline-deficient diet can lead to liver dysfunction and other health issues, underscoring its essentiality in human nutrition. Despite its importance, many populations do not meet the adequate intake levels for choline, highlighting the need for dietary guidance to increase choline consumption 368.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Bone Health and Beyond
Calcium and vitamin D are well-known for their roles in maintaining bone health. However, recent discussions have raised questions about the optimal intake levels and broader health benefits of these nutrients. Efforts by international bodies have aimed to establish clear dietary reference values to ensure adequate consumption and prevent deficiencies 5.
Nutrient Supplements vs. Whole Foods
While nutrient supplements can help address specific deficiencies, evidence suggests that whole foods offer more comprehensive health benefits. This is due to the complex interactions between various nutrients and other bioactive compounds present in foods. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in diverse nutrients is generally recommended over reliance on supplements 9.
Nutrients and Disease Prevention
Vitamins and Disease Risk
Research using Mendelian randomization has explored the relationship between essential nutrients and the risk of diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Findings indicate that higher levels of vitamin D and vitamin E may reduce the risk of ALS, while linoleic acid (LA) could increase it. These insights highlight the potential of certain nutrients in disease prevention and the need for further investigation into their causal effects 10.
Conclusion
The evolving understanding of essential nutrients underscores their critical roles in both plant and human health. Expanding the definition to include functional nutrients and recognizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in whole foods can help optimize health outcomes. Continued research is essential to fully elucidate the complex interactions and benefits of these vital compounds.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Nutrient essentiality revisited
Expanding the definitions and criteria for nutrient essentiality is necessary to reflect advances in current science and consider non-classical compounds with bioactivity for potential essentiality under certain situations.
Choline, an essential nutrient for humans
Choline is an essential nutrient for humans, as it depletes tissue stores and can cause incipient liver dysfunction when excess methionine and folate are not available in the diet.
RCT
Highly CitedThe use of nutrients in crop plants
This book provides a comprehensive overview of crop plant nutrition, focusing on maximizing crop yield without harming the environment through efficient nutrient use.
Highly CitedDietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D
Dietary reference values for calcium and vitamin D have been established to help clarify their importance for bone health and overall health.
Highly CitedCholine, an essential nutrient for humans.
Choline is essential for humans, as it depletes tissue stores and develops signs of liver dysfunction when excess methionine and folate are not available in the diet.
RCTHighly CitedSodium—A Functional Plant Nutrient
Sodium, while not essential for all plants, can promote maximal biomass growth and reduce the need for essential elements, making it a "functional nutrient" in plant metabolism.
Highly CitedCholine: an essential nutrient for public health.
Choline deficiency can lead to liver disease, atherosclerosis, and neurological disorders, and dietary guidance should encourage the intake of choline-rich foods.
Highly CitedEssential nutrients: food or supplements? Where should the emphasis be?
Dietary patterns, not nutrient supplements, are more important for maintaining health than individual nutrients consumed.
Highly CitedDietary-Derived Essential Nutrients and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Vitamin D and vitamin E are protective against the risk of ALS, while linoleic acid is a suggested risk factor for ALS.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous Journal