Articles
Diet vs. supplements for nutrient requirements
30/01/2007
For many years there has been an ongoing debate of can nutrient requirements be easily met by consuming a reasonable diet, or are nutrient needs not being met suggesting a need for nutrient supplementation. Our status of individual nutrients are determined by a number of different variables.
Nutrient intake.
None of us make perfect food choices, even those of us trying to eat as healthfully as possible. The diet out hunter-gatherer ancestors evolved on has little resemblance to the diet we eat today. They lived predominantly off meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. Soil levels of specific minerals, while not others, are low in certain areas of the world. For example in Perth, Western Australia we see an un-proportionately high level of cases of low selenium (90%) and low molybdenum. Storage and cooking methods have an impact on the level of some nutrients, for example vitamin C is heat sensitive. The diet of the animals humans eat effects the levels of certain nutrients within it’s flesh, in particular the distribution of fatty acids.
Absorption/assimilation.
Disturbances in normal digestion/absorption are extremely common. Causes include gastro-intestinal infections, stomach acid deficiency, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, food intolerances, etc.
Genetics.
Genetics have a very powerful impact on nutrient requirements. Dr. Roger Williams, former Professor at The University of Texas, Nobel Prize winner and discoverer of vitamin B5, wrote extensively about the great degree to which nutrient requirements may vary between individuals.
Synthesis.
Certain nutrients can be synthesised within our bodies. For example certain bacteria inhabiting the large intestine produce vitamin K2, although it is currently unknown what proportion of our vitamin K requirements this constitutes. Vitamin D is produces when the sun hits our skin. Having minimal sun exposure, having dark skin, being over-weight, and aging, decrease the amount of vitamin D produced.
Other factors.
Many other factors including hormone levels, toxic chemicals, infections, other nutrient levels, medications, oxidative stress, psycho-social stress, levels of activity, kidney/liver problems, etc. can often have a profound impact on metabolism of nutrients.
Conclusion.
The notion that we can get all the nutrients we need from our diet depends on the above variables, and may or may not apply to an individual. Inevitably the presence of chronic illness increases a persons nutrient requirements, increasing the likelihood of nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient supplements will never replace the need to consume a healthy diet, although can compensate for unmet nutrient needs.
Blake Graham, BSc (Honours), AACNEM
Clinical Nutritionist
Perth, Western Australia
Phone/Email: See Contact page
*Non-Perth residents may enquire about phone consultations.
