| Nutrient |
What
it Does |
Deficiencies
Cause |
Protein
(Soy is a form
of protein) |
Growth & repair of the
body; helps transport nutrients throughout the body; helps body
fight infection; regulates fluid in the body; is a source of
protein; and all enzymes are proteins (enzymes perform many
body functions). |
Kwashiorkor - severe
growth retardation, loss of hair color, wounds do not heal,
anemia, weakness, increased risk of infection, and can result
in death.
Marasmus - same as Kwashiorkor systems & muscle
wasting, weakened heart, and impaired brain development |
| Fats |
Source of energy & energy
stores; forms the major component of cell walls; nourishes skin
& hair; insulates the body from heat & cold; and cushions
the main organs of the body. |
Weakness, rough skin, brittle
hair, and intolerance to heat & cold. |
| Carbohydrates |
Provide the body with energy
to perform all it's functions. The brain & nervous system
prefer carbohydrates for energy over protein and fats. |
Weakness, fatigue, confusion,
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). |
| Fiber |
Replaces calories from fat;
gives a feeling of fullness; decreases the risk of colon cancer;
may decrease cholesterol levels; and may improve blood sugar
levels by slowing the absorption of glucose (sugar). |
Can lead to appendicitis, atherosclerosis
(a type of heart disease), colon cancer, constipation, and diabetes
(high blood sugar). |
| Vitamin A |
Helps in vision; growth &
repair of the body; improves immunity; and helps decrease the
risk of cancer. |
Night blindness, rough skin,
increased risk of infection, impaired bone & body growth,
abnormal tooth & jaw alignment, eye problems that can lead
to blindness. |
| Vitamin C |
Helps in wound healing; maintains
bone & teeth; strengthens blood vessels; improves immunity;
and helps the body absorb iron. |
Scurvy- bleeding
gums, tooth loss, and even death. Anemia, atherosclerosis (clogged
blood vessels) depression, increased infections, muscle degeneration,
rough skin, weakened bones, and poor wound healing. |
| Vitamin D |
Bone & tooth formation;
helps body absorb & use calcium & phosphorous that aids
in bone formation. |
Rickets - Soft bones,
abnormal growth, joint pain, and badly formed teeth. |
| Thiamin |
Helps in the release of energy
from food; supports a normal appetite; supports nervous system
functions. |
Beriberi - extreme loss
of muscle tissue, swelling all over the body, enlargement of
heart, irregular heart rate, & paralysis. Also can cause
mental confusion, weakness, & impaired growth. |
| Riboflavin |
Helps in the release of energy
from food; promotes healthy skin and normal vision. |
Vision problems, skin disorders
around the nose and mouth. |
| Vitamin B6 |
Helps in the release of energy
from food; promotes healthy skin, nerves, and the digestive
system. |
Nervous disorders, skin rashes,
muscle weakness, anemia, seizures, and kidney stones. |
| Vitamin B12 |
Needed for protein & fat
metabolism; helps in the formation of antibodies to fight infection
and the formation of red blood cells. |
Anemia, smooth tongue, fatigue,
and nerve degeneration that can lead to paralysis. |
| Niacin |
Maintains nerve cells; helps
in red blood cell production; and helps in the production of
genetic material. |
Pellagra- skin rash
on the body where exposed to the sun, loss of appetite, dizziness,
weakness, irritability, fatigue, confusion, and indigestion. |
| Folate |
Helps in red blood cell formation,
protein metabolism, and new cell division. Helps in the formation
of the nervous system of developing fetuses. |
Anemia, heartburn, diarrhea,
smooth tongue, depression, and poor growth. |
| Biotin |
Helps in energy metabolism,
fat production, and storage of a form of sugar (glycogen) that
is stored in the liver. |
Loss of appetite, nausea, depression,
muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and skin rash. |
| Iron |
Helps in the formation of hemoglobin
(enables red blood cells to carry oxygen) and helps the body
use energy from food. |
Anemia, weakness, headaches,
increased risk of infections, and inability to concentrate. |
| Calcium |
Strengthens bones & teeth;
helps muscles work; and helps blood clot, nerves to function,
and in blood pressure function. |
Stunted growth, tooth decay,
and bone loss in adults. |
| Phosphorus |
Part of every cell in the body
and helps maintain acid balance of the body. |
Unknown |
| Magnesium |
Helps in bone formation, protein
use by the body, enzyme action, muscle activity, and in nerve
function. |
Weakness, confusion, decreased
function of the pancreas, growth failure, and muscle spasms. |
| Zinc |
Part of many enzymes, present
in the hormone insulin; helps in the production of proteins,
boosts immunity; helps transport Vitamin A in the body; helps
in would healing, taste, and normal fetal development. |
Growth failure, delayed development,
loss of taste, and poor wound healing. |
| Iodine |
Helps in thyroid function and
regulation of metabolism. |
Cretinism- severe physical
and mental retardation, Goiter development. |
| Copper |
Helps with iron absorption,
and is part of several enzymes. |
Anemia and bone changes. |
