Recent surveys of food intake from North America shows that the general population is not consuming enough vitamins and minerals. People affected by diabetes, obesity and bowel diseases need extra doses of both. Half of Americans have lower intake of magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamins A, E, C and D. Young females are also deficient in iron
Our diabetics have often low magnesium levels. People with bowel diseases have low levels of vitamin D, magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
People following the Paleolithic diet have a low calcium diet.
Low carbohydrate/high protein diets consume less vitamins A, C, E and K. Also less fiber is eaten.
Vegeterian/vegan diet may lack sufficient iron, calcium and zinc, vitamins A, D and B12. Vegeterians and vegans need to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals.
Gluten free diets which recommend to eat no wheat, barley and other grains are low in fiber, iron and folate.
Obese patients lost more weight when additional vitamins are added to their diet.
Inadequate absorption of vitamins A, C. D E and minerals like magnesium, chromium and calcium occur in the obese population. The vitamins may be sequestered in the fat. People who had gastric bypass have many deficiencies.
People afflicted with MS and other immune diseases are also deficient in Vitamin D (which works as an anti-inflammatory substance).
The aging population has lower absorption of protein, calcium, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins C, D, E and B12. Lower immunity in the elderly requires more vitamins C, E and specially zinc. Low intake of vitamins D and B12 has been associated with increased risk of dementia. The majority of people over 70 have inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D which leads to osteoporosis and bone loss. B12 deficiency which leads to declining cognition is common in the elderly.
Some medications decrease the absorption of certain nutritional products.
Metformin and proton pump inhibitors decrease B12 absorption.
Carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthine) are also lower in the elderly with the consequence that they have more problems with their vision.
Beta Carotene lengthens the telomeres and helps with rejuvenation.
Potassium is also lower among this population with cardiovascular disease consequences. Poverty aggravates nutrient deficiency.
Magnesium deficiency is hard to prove as an intracellular magnesium test is difficult to perform. The usual serum test is not reliable.
Alcoholics need extra vitamins and minerals. Some antibiotics (e.g. doxycline and Cipro) may prevent the absorption of certain vitamins. It is best not to take micronutrients at the same time as we take those medications.
Pregnant women, alcoholics and smokers also require extra nutrition of vitamins and minerals.
Plasma measurement of micronutrients is not accurate. Intracellular testing is more exact. to evaluate nutritional deficiencies.
A good multivitamin in addition to dietary counseling is the most practical means to achieve the best health.
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