The double burden of malnutrition and diet-related diseases has been attributed to diets high in ultra-processed and discretionary foods that contain high sugar, saturated fat and sodium content, and insufficient dietary fiber.
A study funded by the a2 Milk Company aimed to identify the highest priority nutrients in ANZ, or those with the highest potential to address this issue.
The study, which evaluated nutrient intake data from recent ANZ nutrition surveys, found that 22 of 31 essential nutrients consumed were below government recommended levels in at least one demographic group.
Nutritional deficiencies were common across all demographic groups, from age seven in children to age 16 in men and older adults.
Although the number and characteristics of nutrients varied across demographic groups, there was remarkable consistency in the nutrients identified as having the highest overall importance.
Six nutrients (vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, folate, and dietary fiber) were identified as essential nutrients of deficiency in the total population.
The researchers noted that this was not only due to obvious inadequacy, but also to increasing needs and health priorities.
“The two major problems of malnutrition and diet-related diseases are both independent and integrated; nutrient deficiency can affect normal physiology, but can also contribute directly or indirectly to the development of one or more nutrition-related diseases.
“For example, calcium had a relatively low number of health priority associations and intake levels were comparable to recommended Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). However, dietary deficiency was high, with up to 94% not meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR), so it is likely that calcium It was exacerbating the prevalence of associated disease.”
Overall, the extent of nutritional deficiencies in ANZ was found to be high both in each demographic group and across the population as a whole.
“Our findings contribute to an understanding of the nutrients that should be prioritized to future-proof the health of ANZ populations.
“Whatever the underlying mechanism, increased intakes for each of the priority nutrients are needed and it is imperative to focus on these nutrients in public nutrition policy and messaging, including promoting foods that provide these nutrients.”
Increase intake
Vitamin D, in particular, has emerged as a priority nutrient for all demographic groups.
This finding is consistent with recent data showing that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is critically high and potentially increasing.
On the other hand, vitamin D was the only priority nutrient for pregnant and breastfeeding women, indicating that a targeted focus may be necessary within this demographic group.
Similarly, each demographic group was characterized by a unique set of priority nutrients; This means that they need to be given special attention to best support the health of people in that group.
For example, five of the six priority nutrients identified for men (zinc, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium) were associated with supporting anxiety and depression.
“Despite being identified as a health priority, anxiety and depression in adult men are largely ignored and/or underreported. “This highlights the need to prioritize these nutrients.” researchers said.
In addition to focusing on specific priority nutrients, diet and food-based recommendations can also help support their intake.
“While folate and dietary fiber are found primarily in plant-based sources, the main dietary contributions of vitamin D and calcium are animal foods, while magnesium can be found in both. Some foods also provide more than one priority nutrient. For example, fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.” Dairy products are rich in calcium and magnesium.
“Identifying and targeting key foods that provide priority nutrients can serve as an effective way to address fruits that are lowest in terms of both malnutrition and diet-related disease burdens.”
Concerns about changing diet
The current plant-based trend, combined with increased demand for meat and dairy alternatives, could lead to further declines in consumption of essential nutrients.
“Due to nutritional inequality, concerns have been raised regarding the use of plant-based milk alternatives other than fortified milk. It has been suggested that this substitution in children has serious consequences for metabolic health.
“As calcium intake has been found to be inadequate in ANZ, where dairy is the primary food source, increased switching from dairy milk to plant-based milk may worsen these deficiencies.”
Researchers have particularly emphasized the need for a balanced approach when formulating nutritional guidelines.
“Future research needs to focus on identifying and promoting foods that contribute to priority nutrient intake, while also supporting sustainability efforts and considering cost.”
Each nutrient interacts and acts synergistically with other nutritional nutrients both within foods and in the body following digestion and absorption.
Therefore, deficiencies in priority nutrients can affect the supply and activity of other nutrients and therefore health outcomes.
“Although this study focused on ANZ populations, the methodology adopted can be applied globally to identify and deliver nutrients for prioritization and nutrition, a key cornerstone in reducing diet-related diseases.” The researchers concluded:
Source: Borders
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1370550
“Priority nutrients to address malnutrition and diet-related diseases in Australia and New Zealand.”
Authors: Carlene S. Starck, et al.