Approximately 40 micronutrients are required in the human diet for optimal health, but 50% of the US may be deficient in at least one of these micronutrients.
Micronutrient deficiencies may help explain why the group of people who eat the fewest fruits and vegetables has twice the cancer rate for most types of cancer compared to the fourth with the highest intake.
Shockingly, 80% of children and 68% of adults in the United States do not eat the recommended five daily servings.
Do you get enough nutrients from diet alone?
Results from studies of people on various diets (Atkins for Life, The South Beach, DASH, Zone, LEARN, Ornish, and more) show that a person who follows the most popular food-only diet plans has a high probability of having a micronutrient deficiency.
A subsequent analysis found that an average of 27,500 calories would be needed for sufficiency in all micronutrients. Of the calorie-restricted diets, those containing nutrient-dense foods have an advantage.
Improving a poor-quality diet and the behaviors associated with it (suboptimal nutrient intake and physical inactivity) can improve overall health and well-being.
Common micronutrient deficiencies likely damage DNA by the same mechanism as radiation and many chemicals. Aging occurs in part because of oxidants produced by mitochondria as byproducts of normal metabolism.
Remediing micronutrient deficiencies is likely to lead to a significant improvement in health and increased longevity at little cost.
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has stated that the best nutritional strategy to promote optimal health and reduce the risk of chronic disease is to choose a wide variety of foods wisely. But it can be very difficult to get 100% of the nutrients you need.
In an analysis of 70 assorted individuals, all did not meet the recommended micronutrient level of 100% of the RDA from food alone. Although the European population in general enjoys a healthy and balanced diet, some groups are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. An optimal intake of micronutrients and metabolites, which vary by age and genetic makeup, would stimulate metabolism and give a marked increase in health at little cost.
Nutrient-dense diets reduce hunger
The micronutrient density of a diet together with the caloric content influences the experience of hunger. A nutrient-dense diet can result in a sustainable eating pattern that leads to weight loss and better health.
A nutrient-dense diet provides long-term health benefits as well as weight loss.
As we age, inadequate nutrition contributes to loss of function and the development and progression of disease. Nutritional status is influenced by a variety of medical, physiological, psychological, social, and situational variables.
Proper nutrition and physical activity are aspects of a health-promoting lifestyle. Encouraging better nutrition and exercise is a cost-effective way to decrease the incidence and progression of age-related diseases.
The sooner we practice healthy habits, the better.