Micronutrients: Sources, Properties and Health Effects

Every human requires essential micronutrients for normal physiological functions and general health. These essential micronutrients can be supplied by an appropriate diet. However, billions of people world-wide do not receive sufficient daily amounts of several micronutrients due to low concentrations and bioavailability in commonly eaten foods. This book presents topical research in the study of the sources, properties and health effects of micronutrients. Topics include the consumption of micronutrients for the prevention and mitigation of radiation injury; zinc as an essential micronutrient; the key molecules in the biotin biocycle and their importance to human health; biofortified wheat to alleviate micronutrient malnutrition globally and effects of iodine and selenium on thyroid function.