What Are the 17 Nutritional Elements?

Plants can only complete basic processes or life cycles with 17 key nutrition components. Some are naturally supplied by air, water, and soil, while others require fertilizer.

Macronutrients are the ingredients required in huge quantities - think concrete and steel for a skyscraper. Iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine are micronutrients that are needed in modest amounts.

Carbon is an essential component of life as we know it. It is found in all living creatures and is responsible for photosynthesis, which results in the production of oxygen gas. It is also the primary component of fossil fuels and is utilized in the production of rubber, plastics, gasoline, and natural gas.

It is also found in the majority of organic compounds and forms the backbone of DNA, muscular tissue, lipids, and sugars. Because of the four unpaired electrons in its outermost shell, it has the unique capacity to create intricate chains.

Before 2007, hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element on Earth, was thought to be biologically inert in the body. However, studies have shown that molecular hydrogen can enter organelles and neutralize and scavenge harmful oxygen radicals, preserving DNA, RNA, and proteins from destruction.

We consume hydrogen every day through drinking water (H2O), which is made up of two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen. Hydrogen ions then enter mitochondria, our cells' powerhouse, to produce energy.

Water (H2O) contains a significant amount of oxygen, accounting for around 21% of its total mass. It is also a necessary component of organic molecules and nutrition for the majority of aerobic organisms.

Because it enters the body through the nose and lungs (or gills) rather than the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, gaseous oxygen is not considered a nutrient in the study of nutritional science. It is, nonetheless, required for all aerobic creatures to exist and grow.

Nitrogen is a critical component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and nucleic acids, which contain genetic information. It is also an essential component of energy-transfer molecules like ATP.

Nitrogen enters our systems through proteins in our food and urea, a consequence of protein digestion. Bacteria can also use nitrogen fixation to transform gaseous nitrogen from the air into forms that our bodies can utilize.

If a plant cannot fulfill its core tasks or survive without a nutrient, it is deemed vital. Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, chloride, iron, boron, manganese, and zinc are among the 17 essential nutrients.

Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in many whole foods as well as synthetically added to processed foods (up to 30% of the average American's consumption). It is also very well absorbed by the small intestine.

It is required for food absorption as well as bone and tooth growth, especially throughout childhood. It also contributes to the formation of the blood-binding molecule 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, which controls the oxygen supply to tissues. In certain studies (17), high normal serum phosphorus levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Potassium is a mineral that aids the body in fluid regulation, nerve signal transmission, and muscle contraction. It also plays a vital role in the prevention of high blood pressure, water retention, stroke, and osteoporosis.

A potassium-rich diet may lower the risk of hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. Potassium is found in foods and supplements. However, if you take loop diuretics (furosemide or bumetanide), you should see your doctor before taking any supplements.

Sulfur is required by the human body to produce various amino acids, most notably methionine, and cysteine. These amino acids are necessary for the formation of proteins as well as enzymes, which are required for many metabolic life functions.

Sulfur is also required for the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that nourishes the liver and aids in detoxification. Because the body cannot produce sulfate on its own, it must obtain it from food.

Calcium is best known for its role in the formation of strong bones and teeth, but it is also needed to aid in blood clotting, muscular contraction, and nerve signal transmission. It is primarily stored in the bones, but some calcium penetrates the extracellular fluid and is used.

Calcium is mainly obtained from diet by the body. Milk and yogurt, as well as dark-green vegetables (excluding spinach), beans, soy products, and various nuts and seeds, are high in calcium. Calcium is added to several juices, breakfast cereals, and bottled water.

A magnesium-rich diet benefits the health of muscles, particularly the heart. However, many people consume less magnesium than is advised through their food and beverages.

Magnesium shortage can be caused by gastrointestinal illnesses such as chronic diarrhea, Crohn's disease, and malabsorption syndromes. Diabetes and long-term diuretic use can also induce magnesium deficiency.

A number of prospective cohort studies have found that consuming more magnesium is connected with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. It is also known to alleviate preeclampsia symptoms and minimize lipid peroxidation in pregnant women.