Why Do Humans Need Nutrients?

Humans need nutrients for the proper functioning of the body system. Some of the most essential nutrients include vitamins, dietary minerals, essential fatty acids and essential amino acids. If the body lacks nutrients it could lead to a development of a deficiency disease. However, intake of nutrients should be balanced. For example if iron is consumed in higher proportion the body's antioxidant system will not able to have a control over it.  The essential nutrients are consumed in small quantity levels and are substances that are metabolically essential but cannot be synthesized in adequate amount by the organism.

Some of the essential amino acids are Tryptophan, Threonine, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin A, etc. Some the essential fatty acid is Linolenic acid. Nutrients can be consumed by eating a wide range of foods rather than eating processed food.