It is common knowledge that too many trips through the fast food drive-thru can have some unwanted side effects on a person’s body.
But those side effects might not be limited to high cholesterol and a few extra pounds.
Many nutrition experts believe a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals is to blame for some cases of cancer and obesity.
Bruce Ames, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, has done extensive research in the area.
According to Ames, taking regular dietary supplements may even prevent disorders associated with aging.
Ames noted that individuals in underdeveloped countries with poor diets and individuals in Western countries with high-calorie diets both tend to consume mediocre amounts of micronutrients.
This shortage in vitamins and minerals could be key to understanding the cause of obesity.
“We aren’t likely to suffer from severe deficiencies in the [United States] due to fortification of our food supply,” Kelly Lane Stocker, nutrition expert, said.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in children and adults alike. During childhood, a lack of vitamin D can cause growth retardation and, after adulthood, increase the risk of hip fractures.
Vitamin A, which is readily found in fish, eggs, milk, vegetables and some fruits, is important for maintenance of the intestines. A deficiency of vitamin A is a major cause of blindness in the developing world.
“Iron deficiency is the number one micronutrient deficiency in the United States,” Mark Kern, professor of nutrition at San Diego State University, said.
“Adequate calcium intake is a big issue,” Kern added.
About 25 percent of all women will suffer from osteoporosis at some point in their lifetime.
According to Kern, deficiencies of vitamin C and vitamin E have also been linked to heart disease.
Other evidence has attributed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to a deficiency in B group vitamins. A lack of vitamin K has been linked to menstrual bleeding, osteoporosis and liver cancer.
Nutritionists recommend a well-rounded diet complete with proper servings of fruits and vegetables in order to bolster the immune system.
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