Essay Sample on Macronutrients & Micronutrients: Essential for Human Body Functioning

Introduction

In nutrition, there are two classifications based on the quantities that are required by the human body. Some macronutrients and micronutrients are needed in great amounts for the body to function well, whereas micronutrients are nutrients that are required in a much lesser quantity than macronutrients. Some macronutrients include; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (Kristiansen et al., 2008). Macronutrients are the major building blocks of the body thus are considered “macro” This document will focus on the role of macronutrients in human health, effects of low and high levels of macronutrients.

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Macronutrients play a major role in moderating and regulating appetite. Petite cannot be directly measured or quantified. However, it comprises of three entities that are hunger, satiety, and satiation. The hunger feeling can be described as the urge that leads one to feed or to consume food or the macronutrients. Satiation feeling contributes to the ceasing of feeding, and satiety is a sensation that determines the duration between one meal to another (Freeman & Hayes, 2004). Thus, macronutrients contribute directly to determining one's appetite because as soon the body stores have depleted its stores of macronutrients, it triggers hormone ghrelin that brings about the hunger feeling. Appetite hence impacts greatly on the eating patterns. Macronutrients and appetite relate to each other interchangeably.

Critical Role of Macronutrients

Another very critical role of macronutrients is the regulation of body weight. Excessive consumption of fats has been greatly linked with weight gain. Most of the subjects examined with obesity are diagnosed with an impaired system of fatty acids oxidation. Proteins are among the vital macronutrients required in the body. Proteins consumed in the diet promote the satiety sensation and enhancing weight loss (Kristiansen et al., 2008). Protein consumption triggers the release of the anorectic hormone that promotes satiety feeling. The anorectic hormone has peptide (YY), which is very directly linked to the satiety sensation. The peptide is very vital in weight loss and thus is used as a therapy in obesity patients. The dietary composition of macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) may be a major factor contributing to weight gain and obesity. The upper body fat (visceral fat) distribution and obesity have been found to have a major impact on insulin hormone. Weight loss can lead to insulin resistance improvement. High levels of sucrose or fructose consumption could be hazardous, but the intake of fiber-containing foods could be beneficial.

The presence of macronutrients in the diet have been linked to genomic stability. Macronutrients (proteins, calories, and glycerol) consumption have been found to have an impact directly on the micronucleus and the DNA. An increase in micronucleus frequency is seen as a result of intake of proteins, calcium, and zinc, whereas a decrease in the same due to intake of omega-6 and fats has a negative impact and may damage the DNA (Freeman & Hayes, 2004). Therefore, some macronutrients may result in DNA damage, while others impact positively on genomic stability.

Calorie intake (macronutrient) may also have an impact on the red blood cells. There is a link between calorie intake and homozygous sickle cell disease patients, whereby retardation of growth is seen. Impaired somatic sickle cell growth in sickle cell anemia may result from inadequate food consumption (Huang & Hu, 2020). Although other causes like gender and age (adolescent-adult) may also be factors, the consumption of food is still a major factor.

Macronutrients in Companion With Minerals

Macronutrients in companion with minerals and vitamins are very vital in the endurance of exercise activity. The basic function of macronutrients in the body during sports activity is restoring energy balances, optimizing biochemical, hormonal, and immune functions (Kristiansen et al., 2008). A well-balanced dietary plan is important as it helps reducing diet-related diseases like hepatocellular disorders, related renal disorders, cardiovascular problems, and digestive disorders. Athletes are thus required to consume balanced diets containing all macronutrients to avoid health disorders when exercising.

Calcium

Calcium, a major dietary macronutrient, plays a central role in preventing obesity and metabolism regulation. Calcium dietary intake leads to an increase in the breakdown of fats; thus, this is very important in increasing fat and weight loss. This regulation is due to the circulation of calcitriol ions, which regulate the triacylglycerol storage and lipids' metabolism. Moreover, the increased calcium ions in circulation trigger the adipocyte calcium ions (Huang & Hu, 2020). A large amount of calcium in the diet increase lipolysis and counters lipogenesis and thus greatly prevents diet-related obesity. The dairy sources of calcium have very great effects in controlling weight gain. Dairy products have a role in weight regulation and obesity management. The components in dairy products that have a role in obesity management are the angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) and the concentration of branched amino acids chain.

Macronutrients and dietary carbohydrates have also been associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Carbohydrates have proven to have deleterious consequences (Freeman & Hayes, 2004). The macronutrient quantity evaluation and the carbohydrates have shown various effects on the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, macronutrients have a great impact on human health, both positive and negative. The pros of macronutrients are that they contribute to appetite regulation, obesity, and weight gain control in preventing cancer like in the case of sickle cell anemia and also exercising. However, some may have a negative impact if consumed in excessive amounts.

References

Freeman, J. & Hayes, C. (2004). “Low-Carbohydrate” Food Facts and Fallacies. Diabetes Spectrum, 17(3): 137-140.

Huang, Z. & Hu, Y. (2020). Dietary patterns and their association with breast milk macronutrient composition among lactating women. International Breastfeeding Journal, 12(9), 517-527.

Madsen, L., Liaset, B. & Kristiansen, K. (2008). Macronutrients and obesity: views, news, and reviews. Future Lipidology, 3:1, 43-74.