HEALTH CONCERN: 22 out of 31 essential nutrients are NOT being consumed daily!
Australia Faces a Silent Public Health Crisis with New Research Revealing the Widespread Nutrient Deficiencies Across our Lifespan.
According to a recent study from FOODiQ Global, Australian's are not meeting critical nutrient requirements, with 22 out of 31 essential nutrients required for a healthy lifestyle being consumed below the recommended levels.
This is exactly one of the reasons why Rhian founded Zing Wellbeing! So she could help women of all ages ensure they are given the support they need and are aware of their nutrition needs required throughout all stages of life.
The Study
The biggest concern from this study is that these nutrient deficiency are increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers, while also reducing life expectancy and quality of life.
The research highlights six priority nutrients that are critical to reducing the risk of chronic disease across all demographics – children, pregnant women, and the elderly alike. These include calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fibre.
“Most people don’t realise that even those who appear healthy may have diets deficient in the top three priority nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, posing serious long-term health risks,” explains Dr. Flavia Fayet-Moore, lead researcher from FOODiQ Global.
These nutrient gaps are particularly concerning given Australia’s ageing population and the rising incidence of chronic diseases. Food-based solutions to these gaps offer a key opportunity to improve health outcomes across the lifespan.
“We have analysed the study’s data and identified what we’re calling Nutrient Heroes – the foods that fill these gaps and meet our priority nutrient needs,” says Dr. Fayet-Moore.
“While many nutrient-dense foods exist, examples like dairy milk, salmon, spinach, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, high-fibre breakfast cereals, and UV-exposed mushrooms are particularly effective, and practical, each providing at least two of the six priority nutrients.”
Many Australians are not meeting the recommendations for nutrients associated with key foods, especially milk, vegetables, legumes, and wholegrains. Coupled with the overconsumption of nutrient-poor discretionary foods, this has led to widespread nutrient deficiencies.
“Dairy consumption, for instance, has been steadily declining in Australia. This is alarming, as dairy milk is one of the richest sources of two priority nutrients: calcium and magnesium,” adds Dr. Fayet-Moore.
Key Findings
22 of 31 essential nutrients are consumed below recommended levels, including:
- 20 micronutrients: vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B7, B12, D, E, magnesium, folate, iodine, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, fluoride, choline, zinc, iron, calcium
- Dietary fibre and essential fatty acids.
- The largest nutrient gaps were observed in older adults, teenagers, and males.
- Up to 94% of Australians across the lifespan are not consuming enough calcium every day.
- 70% of Australians fail to meet their daily fibre needs.
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in almost 1 in 3 Australians, particularly in older populations.
Why we need these nutrients
Calcium: Critical for bone health, tooth health, muscles, and nerve function.
Magnesium: Supports bone health, nerve, muscle, psychological function, and energy production.
Vitamin D: Enhances bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function.
Folate: Essential for growth, development, immune, and psychological function.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory responses, cognitive function, and eye health.
Fibre: Vital for bowel function, weight management, cholesterol reduction, and gut health.
Foods to help boost your nutrition needs
We pride ourselves on the fact that all the Zing wellbeing recipes and meal plans are packed FULL of ingredients that offer you your daily health and nutrition needs.
Including:
Dairy for Choline, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, vitamin A, zinc, biotin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, riboflavin.
Oily fish like SALMON and tuna for Omega-3s, potassium, vitamin B6, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, vitamin E.
Legumes like chickpeas and lentils for Fibre, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, selenium, zinc, iron (non-heme), phosphorus, folate, vitamin E.
Leafy greens like kale and spinach for Potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, iron
(non-heme), biotin, folate, vitamin E.
Wholegrains like oats for Fibre, magnesium, thiamin, iron, biotin, phosphorus, folate, riboflavin.
Nuts and Seeds like chia and sunflower seeds for Fibre, vitamin B6, magnesium, thiamin, zinc, iron (non-heme), biotin, phosphorus, folate, vitamin E.
Mushrooms for Potassium, selenium, vitamin D, biotin, pantothenic acid.
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