The Malnutrition Epidemic: How Many People Suffer from Nutritional Deficiency?

Micronutrient deficiencies are a major global health problem, with an estimated 2 billion people in the world suffering from key vitamin deficiencies. In the United States, this problem is even more widespread, with 92 percent of the population deficient in at least one mineral or vitamin. This is due to a combination of factors, such as the overconsumption of processed junk food and fast food, the decline in nutrient levels in our soils, and the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions that influence nutrient requirements. In addition to the developing world, malnutrition is also a serious public health problem in the developed world.

A recent study conducted as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicates that U. S. children and adults have high rates of deficiency in vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folic acid, as well as the mineral iron. The whole country is overfed and undernourished.

Even if you eat a “perfect diet”, there's most likely something missing. It's a well-known fact that processed junk food and fast foods have become staples in the American diet. Fresh, nutrient-rich foods are often considered exhausting in terms of time and finances, and these food options are seen as a luxury rather than a standard on tables across the country. To further test this theory, in 2003 Canadian researchers compared data on the current content of plant nutrients with data from 50 years ago.

Their findings showed that the mineral content of cabbage, lettuce, spinach and tomatoes had dropped from 400 milligrams to less than 50 milligrams over the 20th century. And that's just a sample of what they found. For decades, researchers and major medical organizations have been fighting for the need for dietary supplements. Even the American Medical Association, which has always been strongly opposed to supplements, wrote in a statement: “The Journal of the American Medical Association today recommends that all adults take at least one multivitamin pill a day.

Quality supplements can help you restore and maintain your micronutrient levels for optimal health. Whether you're a high-level athlete or someone looking for wellness, your diet needs support to achieve your health care goals. There are many nutrients that work together to allow the body to function optimally. So how do you know which ones you need to be healthy and well? Nutrient needs are as personal as your musical and clothing tastes.

That's why you should work with an experienced doctor to test your nutrient levels to detect a vitamin deficiency and keep track, as your needs change throughout your life. Using specialized tests, your doctor can help you identify the nutrients in which you are most deficient and design a supplement regimen that meets your needs. Large and extensive studies have found that a quality multivitamin is the most valuable supplement a person can take to maintain long-term health. In an evaluation of nearly 3 million people, less than 1 percent achieved adequate amounts of essential vitamins through diet alone.

Deficiencies in basic nutrients can make the body susceptible to heart disease, breast and colon cancers, and many other adverse conditions. Choosing the right multivitamin is often difficult, so testing for vitamin deficiency and consulting with an expert doctor is essential. Vitamin D is the vitamin that works as a hormone within the body, which means that it plays many very important functions in keeping you healthy. Although vitamin D levels can be improved with daily exposure to the sun (on clear, sunny days), as well as with the consumption of cod liver oil, fortified dairy products, oysters and eggs, supplementation is still necessary.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are linked to mood, metabolism and bone health, to name a few. Studies have shown that supplementing 800 IU a day can reduce the risk of diseases associated with poor bone health. Don't leave your health to chance. Talk to your doctor about specialized nutrient testing for vitamin deficiency and start a regimen that will not only change your health but will also optimize performance, productivity and quality of life.

The biostation offers a comprehensive individualized and holistic approach to total well-being and age management by focusing on personalized medicine. The biostation helps patients at an earlier stage in the aging process to help prevent rather than treat age-related problems through bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrient therapy, sexual health programs medical aesthetics weight loss and much more. Despite an abundant food supply research indicates that Americans are significantly deficient in many critical nutrients Several factors are responsible for this “well-nourished but malnourished” epidemic spreading across the country such as high intake of processed foods decline in nutrient levels in our soils increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions influencing nutrient requirements Read on to learn about malnutrition epidemic in United States other parts developed world how you can help customers maximize their nutrient intake create foundation lasting health.