MicroNutrients

"Micronutrient malnutrition is a term used to refer to diseases caused by a dietary deficiency of vitamins or minerals. More than 2 billion people in the world today may be affected by Micronutrient malnutrition. Vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia and iodine deficiency disorders are the most common forms of Micronutrient malnutrition."

"Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is a threat to more than 1.5 billion people who live in areas where the soils are iodine deficient; more than 200 million people have goitre and 20 million suffer mental impairments (resulting in significant reduction in IQ) caused by iodine deficiency (WHO 1992). IDD is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation."

[http://www.fao.org/docrep/x0245e/x0245e01.htm#P38_2721 Magnitude, causes and consequences of micronutrient malnutrition]

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[http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/index.html The Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center] is a source for up-to-date, scientifically accurate information regarding the roles of specific vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals (plant chemicals that may affect health), and other nutrients in preventing disease and promoting health.

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"In addition to the phytochemicals that seem to bring health benefits, these delightful fungi are also host to a significant number of macro- and micronutrients. They have high levels of amino acids (including glutamic acid, a nonessential amino acid considered to be "brain food" due to its ability to stimulate neurotransmitter activity as well as its ability to transport potassium to the brain), protein, enzymes (dietary enzymes are vital for proper absorption of nutrients and digestion of food), dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including ergosterol, which can be converted by sunlight into vitamin D. Last, but not least, shiitake are delicious."

[http://www.wholehealthmd.com/print/view/1,1560,AR_942,00.html Shiitake Mushrooms]

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Also see [http://orthomolecular.org/nutrients/micronutrients.shtml Micronutrients/Minerals, Functions and Sources]