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NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
What are nutrients?
Nutrients are the substances in food that our bodies absorb which enables us to survive, grow and function. Your nutrient requirements are influenced by factors including your age, growth stage and activity. They play a super important role in keeping our bodies healthy and strong!
Energy in our diet should come from the following:
15-25%
FROM PROTEIN
45-65%
FROM CARBOHYDRATES
20-35%
FROM FAT
100%
OF ENERGY IN OUR DIET
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How a dietitian can help:
Your need for nutrition supplementation will be based on a comprehensive assessment by your dietitian. Considerations include medications, current supplementation, blood results, medical history/conditions, age, physical activity, family history of disease, age, hormones, stress, sleep and pregnancy. Recommendations may include supplementation of specific vitamin and/or minerals, protein, fibre, probiotics, prebiotics, omega 3, medical nutrition supplements and over the counter medications for gastrointestinal symptoms.
Some common nutritional deficiencies that your dietitian can assist you with include:
Low iron and anaemia
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency
Zinc deficiency
Selenium deficiency
Our dietitians can help you to meet your individual needs for nutrients to keep you feeling your best.
Macro and micro nutrients
Nutrients can be broken down into 2 categories: macronutrients and micronutrients
Macronutrients are consumed in large quantities (carbohydrates. protein, and fat) and are vital for your body to function properly.
Micronutrients are tiny, and can't be seen with the naked eye. These are eaten in smaller quantities than macronutrients.
Nutritional deficiency
A nutrient deficiency happens when we do not eat all the nutrients our body needs to function properly. There are many nutritional deficiencies, as many as there are nutrients! The most common deficiencies are vitamins deficiency, iron deficiency and trace elements such as magnesium or zinc.
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Iron: Iron deficiency mainly affects women because of blood loss during the menstrual cycle. However, several men may also be affected, mainly vegetarians, vegans or very active individuals. Anemia can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches or hair loss. While men must eat 8 mg of iron a day, women must consume 18 mg a day to have enough.
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Vitamins A, B, C, D and E: since they are numerous the best way to not have a vitamin deficiency is to eat a variety of foods. Vitamins are especially found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish, which bring plenty of nutrients to your body.
Dietary deficiencies can lead to anaemia, depression, mood disorders, but also many other physical and mental health problems.
Our dietitians will work with you to meet you nutritional needs to optimise you health and quality of life.