Nutrients: Sources and Benefits

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Nutrients Sources and Benefits for Parrots Nutrients are substances needed for growth, metabolism, and for other body functions. Macronutrients are nutrients that provide calories or energy. There are three macronutrients:

carbohydrates
protein
fat

Micronutrients are nutrients that our bodies need in smaller amounts, and include vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients are essential to good health and the proper functioning of the body's systems.

The following table provides an overview of the micronutrients essential to your bird's health as well as information on their specific sources and benefits:

Nutrient	Benefit & Source
Vitamin A	Prevention of bacterial infection, tissue and bone growth, healthy skin, vision, reproduction
	carrots, yams, winter squash, broccoli, dark leaf greens, spinach, Swiss chard, corn, asparagus, green peppers, alfalfa, pumpkin, sweet potato, chili peppers, kale, soy beans, apricots, cantaloupe, papayas, mangos, nectarines, peaches, apples, blueberries, cranberries, guava, kiwi, plums, figs, dark grapes, bananas, pineapple, pomegranates
Vitamin C	Needed during times of stress and illness, collagen and cortisone production
	citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes, beets, cantaloupe
Vitamin D3	Needed for the metabolism of calcium, enhances immunity, maintains healthy heart and nervous system
	Naturally synthesized with exposure to unfiltered UV radiation from direct sunlight (i.e., no glass) or from full spectrum lighting. hard boiled egg yolk, fish-liver oil, supplements
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, supports brain function, oxygen conservation, promotes healing
	peanuts, almonds, safflower, walnuts, whole grain cereal, eggs, leafy greens and wheat germ
Vitamin H	Metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, enzyme production
	tuna, cooked egg yolks, soybeans, split peas, garbanzo beans, cauliflower, sunflower, peanuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, oatmeal, chicken, cheese and banana
Vitamin K	Regulates blood clotting, bone formation and repair
	broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, soybeans, alfalfa, oats, cheddar cheese
Vitamin B1	Vital to cellular reactions and normal functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system
	alfafa, soybeans, beets and dark leafy greens
Vitamin B2	Converts food to energy, healthy egg production, blood cell development, eyesight and skin health
	cheese, bee pollen, wheat germ, beef, almonds, chicken
Vitamin B3	Energy for cells, healthy feathers
	halibut, tuna, turkey, dried peaches, barley, peanuts, sunflower, almonds, brewer's yeast
Vitamin B5	Fatty acid breakdown and carbohydrate metabolism, relieves stress
	blue cheese, eggs, turkey, corn, peas, soybeans, walnuts, lentils, wheat germ, brewer's yeast
Vitamin B6	Synthesis of oxygen in blood, amino acid breakdown, brain and nervous system
	wheat germ, hazelnuts, sunflower, soybeans, tuna
Vitamin B12	Cell division and growth, red blood cell development, metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
	shellfish, swiss cheese, blue cheese, beef, ocean fish
Folic Acid	Production of red blood cells
	sprouts, wheat germ, endive, asparagus, collard greens, barley, almonds, cashews
Calcium	Building and maintenance of strong bones, eggshell development, blood clotting, nerve transmission, metabolism of vitamin D
	egg shell, yogurt, Swiss chard, Swiss cheese, low fat cheese, beet greens, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, sesame seeds, watercress, cuttlebone, mineral block, oyster shell, alfalfa meal, whey, broccoli leaves, spinach, cabbage (outside leaves)
Phosphorous	Metabolism of fats, formation of bones, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, acid balance, nerve and heart health, kidney function
	cereal grains, hard boiled egg, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, fish and meat, brewer's yeast, dried whey, wheat germ meal, yogurt, chicken and garlic
Magnesium	Regulates acid-base balance, facilitates absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous
	whole grains, dark leafy greens, almonds, corn, apples

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