The role of vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism and well-being.
Physicians are frequently confronted with patients complaining of fatigue, tiredness and low energy levels. In the absence of underlying disease, these symptoms could be caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals. Certain risk groups like the elderly and pregnant women are well-recognized. Our aim was, therefore, to find out if other, less well-established groups might also be at risk. Thus, the objectives of this review are: to describe the inter-relationship between micronutrients, energy metabolism and well-being; identify risk groups for inadequate micronutrient intake; and explore the role of micronutrient supplementation in these groups. A review of the literature identified an important group at risk of inadequate micronutrient intake: young adults, often women, with a demanding lifestyle who are physically active and whose dietary behaviour is characterized by poor choices and/or regular dieting. Micronutrient supplementation can alleviate deficiencies, but supplements must be taken for an adequate period of time.
Huskisson
E
E
King Edward VII Hospital, London, UK.
Maggini
S
S
Ruf
M
M
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000502:physiology*; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011247:Pregnancy; D014815:Vitamins / Q000502:physiology*
D018977:Micronutrients; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins