Macronutrients

Macronutrients are useful substances for the body, the daily rate of which for humans is 200 mg.

Lack of macronutrients leads to metabolic disorders, dysfunction of most organs and systems.

There is a saying: we are what we eat. But, of course, if you ask your friends when they last ate, for example, sulfur or chlorine, surprise in response cannot be avoided. Meanwhile, in the human body there are almost 60 chemical elements, the reserves of which we, sometimes without realizing it, replenish from food. And about 96% of each of us consists of only 4 chemical names representing a group of macronutrients. And this:

• oxygen (there is 65% in every human body);
• carbon (18%);
• hydrogen (10%);
• nitrogen (3%).

The remaining 4 percentages are other substances from the periodic table. True, they are much smaller and they represent another group of useful nutrients – microelements.

For the most common chemical elements-macronutrients, it is customary to use the term-name CHON, composed of capital letters of the terms: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen in Latin (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen).

Macroelements in the human body, nature has withdrawn quite broad powers. It depends on them:

• formation of skeleton and cells;
• body pH;
• proper transportation of nerve impulses;
• the adequacy of the chemical reactions.

As a result of many experiments, it was found that every day a person needs 12 minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chlorine). But even these 12 will not be able to replace the functions of nutrients.

Nutrient elements

Almost every chemical element plays a significant role in the existence of all life on Earth, but only 20 of them are the main ones.

These elements are divided into:

• 6 of the main nutrients (represented in almost all living things on Earth and often in rather large quantities);
• 5 minor nutrients (found in many living things in relatively small quantities);
• trace elements (essential substances needed in small quantities to maintain the biochemical reactions that life depends on).

Among nutrients are distinguished:

• macronutrients;
• trace elements.

The main biogenic elements, or organogens, are a group of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Minor nutrients are represented by sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chlorine.

Oxygen (O)

This is the second in the list of the most common substances on Earth. It is a component of water, and, as you know, it is about 60 percent of the human body. In gaseous form, oxygen becomes part of the atmosphere. In this form, it plays a decisive role in supporting life on Earth, promoting photosynthesis (in plants) and respiration (in animals and people).

Carbon (C)

Carbon can also be considered synonymous with life: the tissues of all creatures on the planet contain a carbon compound. In addition, the formation of carbon bonds contributes to the development of a certain amount of energy, which plays a significant role for the flow of important chemical processes at the cell level. Many compounds that contain carbon are easily ignited, releasing heat and light.

Hydrogen (H)

This is the lightest and most common element in the Universe (in particular, in the form of the two-atomic gas H2). Hydrogen is a reactive and flammable substance. With oxygen it forms explosive mixtures. Has 3 isotope.

Nitrogen (N)

The element with atomic number 7 is the main gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. Nitrogen is a part of many organic molecules, including amino acids, which are a component of proteins and nucleic acids that form DNA. Almost all nitrogen is produced in space – the so-called planetary nebulae created by aging stars enrich the Universe with this macro element.

Other macronutrients

Potassium (K)

Potassium (0,25%) is an important substance responsible for the electrolyte processes in the body. In simple words: transports a charge through liquids. This helps regulate the heartbeat and transmit impulses of the nervous system. Also involved in homeostasis. Deficiency of the element leads to problems with the heart, up to its stop.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium (1,5%) is the most common nutrient in the human body – almost all of the reserves of this substance are concentrated in the tissues of the teeth and bones. Calcium is responsible for muscle contraction and protein regulation. But the body will “eat up” this element from the bones (which is dangerous by the development of osteoporosis), if it feels its deficiency in the daily diet.

Required by plants for the formation of cell membranes. Animals and people need this macronutrient to maintain healthy bones and teeth. In addition, calcium plays the role of “moderator” of processes in the cytoplasm of cells. In nature, represented in the composition of many rocks (chalk, limestone).

Calcium in humans:

• affects neuromuscular excitability – participates in muscle contraction (hypocalcemia leads to convulsions);
• regulates glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to the state of glucose) in muscles and gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate formations) in the kidneys and liver;
• reduces the permeability of the capillary walls and the cell membrane, thereby enhancing the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects;
• promotes blood clotting.

Calcium ions are important intracellular messengers that affect insulin and digestive enzymes in the small intestine.

Ca absorption depends on the content of phosphorus in the body. The exchange of calcium and phosphate is regulated hormonally. Parathyroid hormone (parathyroid hormone) releases Ca from bones into the blood, and calcitonin (thyroid hormone) promotes the deposition of an element in the bones, which reduces its concentration in the blood.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium (0,05%) plays a significant role in the structure of the skeleton and muscles.

Is a party to more than 300 metabolic reactions. Typical intracellular cation, an important component of chlorophyll. Present in the skeleton (70% of the total) and in the muscles. An integral part of tissues and body fluids.

In the human body, magnesium is responsible for muscle relaxation, excretion of toxins, and improvement of blood flow to the heart. Deficiency of the substance interferes with digestion and slows growth, leading to quick fatigue, tachycardia, insomnia, PMS increases in women. But an excess of macro is almost always the development of urolithiasis.

Sodium (Na)

Sodium (0,15%) is an element that promotes electrolyte balance. It helps to transmit nerve impulses in the body, and is also responsible for regulating the level of fluid in the body, preventing dehydration.

Sulfur (S)

Sulfur (0,25%) is found in 2 amino acids that form proteins.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus (1%) is concentrated in the bones, preferably. But in addition, there is an ATP molecule that provides cells with energy. Presented in nucleic acids, cell membranes, bones. Like calcium, it is necessary for the proper development and operation of the musculoskeletal system. In the human body performs a structural function.

Chlorine (Cl)

Chlorine (0,15%) is usually found in the body in the form of a negative ion (chloride). Its functions include maintaining water balance in the body. At room temperature, chlorine is a poisonous green gas. Strong oxidizing agent, easily enter into chemical reactions, forming chlorides.

The role of macronutrients for humans

Everything living on Earth, from the largest mammal to the smallest insect, occupies different niches in the ecosystem of the planet. But, nevertheless, almost all organisms are chemically created from the same “ingredients”: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and other elements from the periodic table. And this fact explains why it is so important to take care of adequate replenishment of the necessary macrocells, because without them there is no life.