America's Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies And How To Spot Them
Tyler Durden's Photo
by Tyler Durden
Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024
This infographic, via Visual Capitalist's Pallavi Rao, lists some of the American population’s most common nutrient deficiencies along with the symptoms to spot them, and the sources of food they can be found in.
Symptoms of Common Vitamin Deficiencies
Per the data, most Americans do not get enough calcium or Vitamin D from their diet. However, Vitamin D is particularly difficult to meet through diet alone, as the primary source is sunlight.
Experts recommend at least 15 minutes in the sun per day, though people with darker skin tones may need more.
Deficiency results in aches and pains in the muscles and bones, fatigue, and even depression. Prolonged low levels can lead to osteoporosis—where bones become brittle and fragile, and break easily, also a symptom of low calcium levels.
While Vitamin D occurs naturally in mushrooms, beef, fish, and egg yolks, it’s also added to milk, cereals, and certain foods like breakfast bars to help boost levels.
Meanwhile, it’s estimated that around 50% of the population doesn’t meet their Vitamin A dietary requirement. A lack of it lead to vision loss, skin issues, delayed wound healing, and infertility.
In general, American diets are energy-rich and nutrient-poor, because of a heavy reliance on processed foods and carbohydrates. Dieticians recommend more nutrient-dense foods (fruits, vegetables, certain meats, eggs, dairy, and whole grains) to meet all requirements.
https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/americas-most-common-nutrient-deficiencies-and-how-spot-them