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The term nutrients frequent our daily conversations, whether we trying to plan our children’s diet or simply trying to have well balanced meals. What are called nutrients? and why are they so important? We define nutrients as chemical substances needed by our body to maintain basic activities.
This blog explores nutrients beyond basics, here we define nutrients, understand what are the different types of nutrients, what are examples of nutrients, (nutrients definitions and examples) classification of nutrients, and provides a comprehensive glossary of nutrients.
What are the different types of nutrients, and what nutrients are called along with examples of nutrients is explained below-
are required in large amounts by our body and are a major source of energy. They also play a vital role in muscle growth, hormones production, and other vital bodily functions. These include-
1. Carbohydrates are a source of energy and make the gut and immune system work efficiently. Fiber-rich whole grains, millets, fruits, starchy vegetables, legumes, are some commonly consumed carbohydrates.
2. Proteins are responsible for maintaining structural integrity. Amino acids make up proteins, which can be found in foods including meats, dairy foods and legumes.
3. Fats support cellular structure and function, control body temperature, and shield vital organs. These can be found in vegetable oils, butter, ghee, nuts, meats, dairy foods etc.
4. Water: This is an essential nutrient involved in temperature regulation, transporting nutrients, lubricating joints and many other functions.
are essential substances required in smaller quantities for biochemical functions, enzymatic reactions, and protection against oxidative stress. These include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Now that we have studied what are the different types of nutrients, what are examples of nutrients, classification of nutrients let’s have a look at Nutrient Glossary.
1. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): is a coenzyme that aids in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. Sources include whole and fortified grains, beans, etc.
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): is required for energy production, sources include green vegetables, milk and its products, and whole and fortified grains.
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin): is crucial for digestion, and is found in whole and enriched grains, as well as high-protein foods like meat, milk, and eggs.
4. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): is crucial for the synthesis of red blood cells and metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Found in chickpeas, banana, organ meats like liver, poultry and fortified cereals.
5. Vitamin B7 (Biotin): supports fatty acids, glucose metabolism for energy. Deficiency may lead to skin rash, hair loss and related problems. Whole grains, soybeans, and egg yolk are some sources.
6. Vitamin B9 (Folate): involved in the development of the nervous system, and also maturation blood cells. Sources green leafy vegetables, broccoli, beans, peas, etc.
7. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): is essential for red blood cell synthesis, nervous system development, and the synthesis of DNA. Sources include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy.
8. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): is essential for the production of collagen, iron absorption, bone formation, and immunity. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, papaya and green leafy vegetables are sources of ascorbic acid.
1. Vitamin A (Retinol) is involved in growth, bone formation, immune function and reproduction. Vitamin A is found in animal sources like organ meats (liver, kidney), dairy foods, and eggs. Plant sources include leafy greens and yellow and orange colored fruits and vegetables like papaya, carrots, pumpkin, etc.
2. Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is required for calcium absorption important for bone growth and development. Sources include organ meat, egg yolk, fatty fish, fish oils, and fortified foods.
3. Vitamin E (Tocopherol): functions as an antioxidant and protects against diseases. Nuts, seeds, soybeans, avocados, green vegetables, and olive oil are all good sources.
4. Vitamin K (Phylloquinone): is vital for blood clotting, and present in green leafy vegetables, canola oil, and soybean oil.
1. Calcium: plays an essential role in muscular contraction, nerve transmission, and bone health, commonly found in dairy foods, sesame seeds, amaranth, finger millet, etc.
2. Magnesium: essential for bone formation, nervous system and muscle function. Whole grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, dairy foods, are sources of magnesium.
3. Iron: An important mineral, involved in oxygen delivery via hemoglobin in our blood. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, pearl millet, meat, garden cress seeds, onion seeds, and fortified cereals are sources of iron.
4. Zinc: Another mineral supporting immunity, cell growth, and wound healing in our body. Seafood, shellfish, and poultry are rich sources and other good sources include whole grains, nuts, legumes, etc.
5. Iodine: is essential for the production of thyroid hormone, and primary source is iodized salt.
6. Phosphorus: it is an important structural element of bones, teeth, and cell membranes, and is found in milk and its products, fish, poultry, nuts and whole grains.
Now that we have studied about nutrient definitions and examples, let’s understand why nutrients are important.
Nutrients play an essential role in growth, development, and various bodily processes, including immune function, bone health, hormones, etc. Nutrient deficiency can lead to health issues.
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Defining nutrients, what are called nutrients, what are the different types of nutrients, what are examples of nutrients, classification of nutrients, the role they play in growth, development and various bodily processes, along with a quick look at glossary guide enables us to make wise choices while planning our child’s meals. In addition, you can include Complan, a nutritional drink with 34 vital nutrients for growth and development.
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1. What are nutrients in simple words?
Nutrients are vital substances that our body requires for overall growth and development and for various bodily processes.
2. What are the 7 main nutrients?
The seven main nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber and water.
3. What is the classification of nutrients?
Nutrients are classified as macronutrients required in large amounts and micronutrients required in small amounts.
4. Can you give some examples of nutrients?
Carbohydrates – wheat, rice. Proteins -eggs, chicken, fish, etc.
5. Why are nutrients important for our body?
Nutrients are important for keeping our bodily functions running smoothly and its deficiency causes health issues.
1. Morris AL, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Nutrients. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554545/
2. Espinosa-Salas S, Gonzalez-Arias M. Nutrition: Macronutrient Intake, Imbalances, and Interventions. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594226/
3. Stach K, Stach W, Augoff K. Vitamin B6 in Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3229. Published 2021 Sep 17. doi:10.3390/nu13093229
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