All Präventa products are developed in collaboration with medical professionals and
Developed by health specialists. The proven formulas with high-quality micronutrients are manufactured in Austria under strict controls.
Our product lines are tailored and developed to meet your needs during specific phases of life. Präventa products
optimize and improve the personal nutrient balance so that the body receives the micronutrients it individually needs.
How do micronutrients and macronutrients differ?
Our body is an amazing marvel of nature. It works tirelessly to convert food into energy, repair cells, and maintain vital functions. Whether we are active or resting, this process adapts to our different needs. Activity or rest, every necessary process is adjusted to the specific situation. Normally, the body metabolizes efficiently and continuously. However, to function smoothly, it requires various substances that must be supplied regularly. Metabolism refers to these chemical transformations. All components of food are broken down, converted, or transformed.
Our food is broken down in the body into tiny particles, which are then transported via the bloodstream to every cell. There, these substances are reassembled and serve as building blocks, enabling the body to release energy. A distinction is made between macronutrients and micronutrients, depending on the amount required.
What are macronutrients?
Macronutrients must be supplied to the body from external sources. They provide the body with the energy it needs for all metabolic processes. Macronutrients are the building blocks of our food. From them, among other things, the important micronutrients are formed, because the body cannot produce these itself, or only in insufficient quantities.
The most important macronutrients (energy sources) are:
- Carbohydrates (sugars)
- Lipids (fats)
- Proteins
Because these substances are needed by the body in large quantities, they are called macronutrients (macro = large).
What are micronutrients?
Micronutrients are only needed in minute quantities (micro = small); they do not provide energy for the body, meaning they have no caloric value. However, they are extremely important for many bodily functions, metabolism, the immune system, and cell function (and structure). Micronutrients are essential substances that contribute to the optimal functioning of the nervous system and the proper maintenance of the body's energy balance.
Each micronutrient has a specific function that cannot be performed by other micronutrients. A deficiency can disrupt the harmonious balance and lead to health problems.
The body can store some micronutrients, but it cannot store most of them. Therefore, a regular and adequate supply of these nutrients is essential for the smooth functioning of the body.
What micronutrients are there?
Micronutrients can be broadly divided into 4 groups of substances:
- Vitamins
- minerals
- Trace elements
- Secondary plant compounds
Vitamins:
Depending on how the body absorbs, processes, stores, and excretes vitamins, they are classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble. Most vitamins must be supplied to the body from external sources, for example, through a healthy diet.
Important vitamins include:
Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins. The B vitamins consist of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyroxidin (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12). Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble.
Minerals:
Minerals are essential, inorganic substances that the body cannot produce itself. They are essential, both individually and in combination, for many bodily functions. (Requirements exceeding 50 mg per kilogram of body weight) are measured in grams or micrograms.
The most important ones are:
Chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus
Trace elements:
Trace elements are tiny components of minerals. They are only present in trace amounts in the body and are only needed in minute quantities. Nevertheless, nothing would function without them. Trace elements have very important functions in the body; for example, they are essential in important detoxification processes.
(Requirement is less than 50 mg per kilogram of body weight; they are measured in milligrams or micrograms.)
The most important ones are:
Iron, selenium, fluoride, zinc, copper and iodine.
Normal nutrition? Or when do you need more?
Ideally, a person consumes sufficient micronutrients through a healthy diet. Depending on life stage and circumstances, intake can quickly become imbalanced, leading to an increased need. A prolonged deficiency can cause health problems.
Examples of times, phases, and circumstances that indicate an increased need for micronutrients include:
- growth
- pregnancy
- sport
- Diseases
- Healthy aging
- Psychological and physical stress
- stress
- alcohol consumption
- diet
- risk groups
Micronutrient analysis (blood test)
Your personal micronutrient levels can be determined through a blood test called micronutrient analysis. This test can be done either at home or by a doctor. What blood tests are available?
Serum diagnostics:
Micronutrients are measured in the serum, but not within the cells. This provides a good basic indication of the respective micronutrient levels in the blood, but it doesn't tell you how many micronutrients actually reach the body's cells.
Whole blood analysis:
This test examines the entire bloodstream, including the blood within the cells. This allows conclusions to be drawn about how well the cells in the body are supplied. A whole blood analysis can pinpoint exact deficiencies.
