Mind the nutrition gaps

Millions of us are missing out on key nutrients, according to research. Three experts explain how to spot the signs of deficiency...

- BY CATHERINE FORREST

WE'RE bombarded with messages about the importance of a healthy diet and barely a week goes by without a headline or study highlighting the benefits of nutrient-rich whole foods. But research reveals millions of adults and children are putting their health at risk by failing to achieve the minimum intakes of nutrients that support immunity, cardiovascular health and energy levels.

Authors of the study, published in the Food and Nutrition Sciences journal, warn this not only increases the risk of osteoporosis, dementia, depression and other issues, but the importance of nutrition during pregnancy means these deficits could also be undermining the health of future generations.

The researchers - public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, nutritionist, pharmacist and sustainable food expert Dr Pamela Mason and GP Dr Nisa Aslam - are calling for healthy foods to be more affordable and better education around the dietary sources of specific nutrients and the benefits of bridging dietary gaps with a multivitamin and multimineral supplement plus an omega-3 supplement.

Their paper, commissioned by the Health and Food Supplements Information Service, warns that the NHS faces a spiralling bill from the fallout of poor-quality diets if we don't take steps to future-proof our diets. The experts say the focus on plant-based diets and ultra-processed foods is diverting attention from fundamentals such as nutrient density and hitting recommended intakes of vitamins and minerals.

The popularity of weight-loss jabs could also exacerbate these risks as research shows they can have a negative impact on vitamin and mineral status.

"That's why it's important for anyone using these weight-loss medicines to take a top-up multivitamin and multimineral supplement," Dr Aslam says.