Any discussion about the topics of nutrition and diet always generate a lot of differing opinions, and there are a number of reasons for this:
- We are all biochemically unique so what represents an optimal diet for one person may be disastrous for someone else
- Due to metabolic differences and genetic mutations individual requirements for certain nutrients may vary widely between individuals: for example one person may require 100 times as much Vitamin C as another
- Continuing published research constantly revises our understanding of these topics
- Many individuals and companies have biased opinions that serve their self interests, for example researchers who are sponsored by companies in their research and multi-national food companies who want you to buy their products
- Often when individuals engage in these types of discussions, they are expressing their own opinions or biases: the only truisms in these discussions are the evidence as shown by published research (mind you research can be manipulated to produce almost any desired outcome and most research is now controlled by the pharmaceutical industry)
The topic of what represents the best diet always raises controversy again because it may be different for different individuals.
Also if you take a survey amongst both the general public and health care practitioners asking whether you can get all the nutrients you need from the food you eat again you will get different opinions.
Again we need to look at what the published research says on this topic and the answer is quite definitive: virtually every nutrition survey done by every government in the western world for the past 75 years reveals rampant deficiencies across the socioeconomic spectrum.
Here is an example:
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 (1)
- A three-year study surveying the dietary habits of over 16,000 Americans has found that a large portion of the population consistently fails to meet even the minimal intakes recommended in the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for many key nutrients.
- The study reviewed the average intake of 19 micronutrients in 16,110 people
Results of the Study
- 25% do not get enough Vitamin C
- 34% do not get enough Vitamin A
- 38% do not get enough Calcium
- 45% do not get enough Magnesium
- 60% do not get enough Vitamin E
- 70% do not get enough Vitamin D
The takeaway from this and virtually every other study on this topic: to optimize your nutrient levels you need to take targeted supplements.
Which supplements should you take? Well it varies between individuals. Consult with your Naturopathic Doctor on what supplements are right for you: Naturopathic physicians have extensive training in diets and nutrition and can provide you with guidance on this very important topic to help you to optimize your health.
The takeaway from this and virtually every other study on this topic: to optimize your nutrient levels you need to take targeted supplements.
Which supplements should you take? Well it varies between individuals. Consult with your Naturopathic Doctor on what supplements are right for you: Naturopathic physicians have extensive training in diets and nutrition and can provide you with guidance on this very important topic to help you to optimize your health.
- Curtin LR1, Mohadjer LK, Dohrmann SM, Montaquila JM, Kruszan-Moran D, Mirel LB, Carroll MD, Hirsch R, Schober S, Johnson CL. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Sample Design, 1999-2006. Vital Health Stat 2. 2012 May;(155):1-39.