Nutrients are the compounds in foods that are essential to life and health, providing us with energy and the building blocks for repair and growth, as well as substances necessary to regulate chemical processes. There are six essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly – carbohydrates, lipids (or fats), proteins, vitamins, minerals and water.
Without them, our body can experience a whole range of symptoms from fatigue, weakness and trouble breathing, to pale skin, unusual food cravings, hair loss and light-headedness.
But do you know the visual clues to look out for that will reveal if you’re deficient in nutrients?