Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

[mysteriouza]

People often think that a good diet can provide us with all the vitamins and minerals we need.
The problem is that a well-balanced diet is a myth.
A Food Survey found that the average person in some countries is grossly deficient in 6 out of the 8 vitamins and minerals surveyed.


We eat too many intensively farmed and processed foods that have reduced levels of nutrients from the soil that are then further stripped in the manufacturing process.
Even with a good diet you cannot get all the nutrients you need from your food.
For instance, the daily intake of selenium is now only half the amount it was in the daily diet 25 years ago and approximately half the recommended level.

Furthermore, the other lifestyle factors like restricting food intake, certain diets, smoking, stress, alcohol and medications deplete the body of important vitamins and minerals.
Skipping meals, specific diets and eating the same range of foods, you'd be amazed how many people have the same breakfast/lunch everyday, mean a varied diet really isn't the norm.
And we become even more 'creatures of habit' as we get older.
This can all limit the quantity and range of nutrients we consume.

Also, as we age our bodies lose the ability to absorb certain vitamins particularly zinc and vitamin B12.
As we get older, the lining of the stomach loses its ability to produce hydrochloric acid which releases vitamin B12 from food, and the use of antacids and anti ulcer drugs can further lower stomach acid and affect vitamin B12 absorption.

Our nutrient needs change with different life stages and if our diet remains broadly the same we may not keep up with changing requirements.
Women are especially susceptible depending upon their reproductive stage particularly those wanting to conceive, and pregnant and nursing women.
Women of child bearing age have greater iron needs and in a survey it has been shown that 40% of women 19-34 years have very low intakes.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia with generalized symptom of fatigue, weakness and poor concentration.
Conversely, men and post menopausal women taking a multivitamin should chose one without iron as iron works as a powerful oxidant , increasing risk of free radical damage and possibly promoting disease.

Certain conditions have been associated with reduced levels of specific nutrients and in some cases supplementation may help alleviate the symptoms.
For example, some migraine sufferers and women with PMS have been found to have low levels of magnesium, and for them, supplementation can improve symptoms.
Likewise, medication, including the contraceptive pill, can reduce zinc absorption and retention and zinc deficiency has been associated with hormone problems and infertility in men and women.
Less than one in ten people receive the recommended daily allowance of zinc.

Most people could do with a good multivitamin to support their diet and health, but certain nutrients are difficult to pack into a one-a-day tablet at optimum levels particularly magnesium and calcium.
If you suspect you may be deficient in certain nutrients or that it may be exacerbating or contributing to certain conditions then it is worth investigating.