Analytical Studies of Micronutrients in Food ...

Analytical Studies of Micronutrients in Food Supplements - A Historical Review

Author Name : Dr. J. Saminathan, Sharmila Dusi

ABSTRACT

Micronutrients are important to the growth and development of the human body. Trace amounts of micronutrients play a critical role in the body's cellular and metabolic functions. The key sources of vitamins and minerals are extracted from plants, animals, and milk. Micronutrient shortages are associated with unhealthy conditions and excess levels contribute to toxicity. Official methods are used to determine the content of micronutrients present in soil, plants and food supplements. Recommended quantities are needed to maintain a healthy life, especially for infants and pregnant women. Recently, different analytical methods have been introduced to estimate the content of micronutrients present in multi-nutrient supplements. This review reports the main source of micronutrients and their functions within the body and recommended FDA dietary allowances and their deficiencies in the type of disease. This review describes the analytical techniques used to estimate micronutrients.

Keywords: Micronutrients; Official methods; recommended Dietary allowances; Analytical techniques; Food and drug administration.