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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can name different micronutrients and explain their function and food sources.

      Key learning points

      1. Vitamins and minerals are known as micronutrients. They are needed in small amounts compared to macronutrients.
      2. Our diet provides vitamins and minerals, except vitamin D, which we make in our skin when exposed to sunlight.
      3. Vitamins include A, C and D, and the minerals include calcium and iron. They have different functions and food sources.
      4. Energy and nutrients provided by a recipe can be calculated, and changes can be made to improve health.

      Keywords

      • Micronutrients - nutrients required by the body in small amounts for health

      • Vitamins - organic micronutrients that are essential for the human body

      • Minerals - inorganic micronutrients needed for growth, development and health

      • Food source - food and drinks that provide specifi nutrients

      • Function - the role of the nutrient to keep the body healthy

      Common misconception

      An adequate intake of micronutrients is possible by always eating the same types of foods.

      To ensure an adequate intake of micronutrients, it is important to have a varied diet. This is because different foods provide different types and amounts of vitamins and minerals.

      Teacher tip

      Relate the micronutrients to familiar foods and food groups from the Eatwell Guide - helping to contextulise learning. Ensure that pupils have access to ICT facilities when undertaking nutritional analysis.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the healthy eating model for the UK called?

      the Eatwell Plate
      the Balance of Good Health
      Correct answer: the Eatwell Guide
      The Guide to Health

      Q2.
      What are the three macronutrients?

      Correct answer: fat
      calcium
      Correct answer: protein
      iron
      Correct answer: carbohydrate

      Q3.
      When energy intake is higher than energy output …

      over time this will lead to weight loss.
      over time this will lead to energy balance.
      Correct answer: over time this will lead to weight gain.

      Q4.
      What are the two largest food groups from the Eatwell Guide?

      dairy and alternatives
      Correct answer: fruit and vegetables
      Correct answer: potatoes, bread, rice and pasta
      beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat
      oils and spreads

      Q5.
      It is recommended that we consume __________ drinks per day.

      2 to 4
      4 to 6
      Correct answer: 6 to 8
      8 to 10

      Q6.
      labels can help us make healthier choices between two similar food products.

      Correct Answer: Nutrition, Nutritional

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      True or false? An adequate intake of micronutrients is possible by always eating the same types of foods.

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q2.
      Match the vitamin to its source.

      Correct Answer:vitamin A,liver, fortified spreads, green leafy vegetables, carrots

      liver, fortified spreads, green leafy vegetables, carrots

      Correct Answer:vitamin B1,bread, fortified breakfast cereals, meat, beans

      bread, fortified breakfast cereals, meat, beans

      Correct Answer:vitamin C,citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes

      citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes

      Correct Answer:vitamin D,sunshine, oily fish, eggs, fat spreads

      sunshine, oily fish, eggs, fat spreads

      Q3.
      Which of the following are minerals?

      Correct answer: calcium
      niacin
      Correct answer: iodine
      Correct answer: iron
      thiamin

      Q4.
      helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

      Correct Answer: calcium

      Q5.
      The mineral iron helps ...

      to make thyroid and it helps the brain to function normally.
      Correct answer: to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
      to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

      Q6.
      Put the following instructions of how to perform nutritional analysis in the correct order.

      1 - Decide if you are analysing a recipe or diet.
      2 - Search the ingredient or food you want.
      3 - Add each ingredient or food, including its weight.
      4 - View a summary of the calculation.
      5 - Create a food label or change the number of portions.

      To help you plan your 8 cooking and nutrition lesson on: Micronutrients, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...