Micronutrients are subdivided into vitamins, trace elements and minerals. They play a vital role in the metabolism of the human organism. They function as biocatalysts and main components of metabolically active enzymes, and are responsible for an undisturbed sequence of all metabolic processes in the human organism.

…are organic connections which are required by the organism for vital functions. But for the most part they cannot be synthesised from metabolism. This is why they must be absorbed with the nourishment. Vitamins are subdivided into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.

Biotin [water-soluble]	Activates the metabolism (amongst other things, of the hair follicle) and enhances the keratin. It is essential for the synthesis of carbohydrates and fatty acids, cell division and skin regeneration.
Folic acid [water-soluble]	Important with cell division and cell regeneration.
Niacin [water-soluble]	Important for enzymes involved in the energy turnover in the cells, for cardiac function and the central nervous system; improves the blood flow of the skin and scalp.
Pantothenic acid [water-soluble]	Plays a decisive role in the synthesis of fatty acids and certain hormones; generally known as a skin and hair care vitamin.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) [water-soluble]	Part of ca. 60 different enzymes involved in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism; important for skin and hair.
Thiamine (vitamin B1) [water-soluble]	Important for the carbohydrate-energy metabolism, the nervous system as well as for skin and hair.
Vitamin A (retinol) [fat-soluble]	Important for growth, the immune system and development of cells and tissue; involvement in the visual process.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) [water-soluble]	Contributes to the formation of red blood corpuscles; is involved in the synthesis of cellular substance and all growth processes in the body.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) [water-soluble]	Important in the protein metabolism; involved in formation of defence cells. Promotes transformation of tryptophan into picolinic acid. This is an important carrier for zinc and thus important for skin and hair.
Vitamin C [water-soluble]	Improves the absorption of iron, stimulates the body’s own resistance and antioxidants; involved in thousands of metabolic reactions.
Vitamin D (calciferol) [fat-soluble]	Important in the calcium and phosphate metabolism; influences the mineralization of bones and teeth.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) [fat-soluble]]	Protects unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A in the body against oxidation (natural antioxidant); improves the scalp’s blood flow.
Vitamin K [fat-soluble]	Important for the blood coagulation system

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…are chemical substances, of which the human body requires miniscule amounts (i.e. “traces”) for the maintenance of vital metabolic functions. They stand in contrast to the so-called minerals (bulk elements).

Chromium	Carbohydrate metabolism
Iron	Oxygen utilisation, energy metabolism
Fluoride	Formation of dental enamel
Iodine	Counteracts dry skin; is a component of the thyroid hormone; for muscular synthesis
Cobalt	Component of vitamin B12; formation of red blood corpuscles
Copper	Has synergistic effects with zinc
Manganese	Active in 50 different enzymes, glucose utilisation, protein-fat metabolism, thyroid hormone
Molybdenum	Component of enzymes
Nickel	Building material for genetic information
Selenium	Antioxidant, free-radical scavenger; protective function for cell walls
Vanadium	Component in bones and teeth
Zinc	Important in the metabolism of the amino acid cysteine; an important amino acid for synthesis of hair keratin.
Tin	Involved in the muscular synthesis and energy metabolism; support wound healing

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…are vital, inorganic nutrients which the organism cannot produce itself; they must be supplied to the organism with the nourishment.

Calcium	Important for viability of cells, formation of osseous and dental substance, various enzymatic activities.
Magnesium	Activates numerous enzymes; conduction of muscles and nerves
Sodium, chloride, potassium	Are all important for the regulation of water metabolism and activate enzymes.
Phosphorous	Energy production; component of cell membranes and bones

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