Advanced Allergy Testing Dublin

Deficiencies

Food contains proteins, carbohydrates and fats. These in turn contain essential nutrients - vitamins, minerals and trace elements - essential for life and health.

The digestive system extracts these nutrients by producing DIGESTIVE ENZYMES which break down the proteins, carbohydrates and fats we eat into their simplest form so we can absorb them through the walls of the small intestine.

As the digestive system functions best when the body is in a calm state, acute or prolonged stress, rushing food and not chewing properly can inhibit digestive enzyme production which can lead to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

A diet high in processed food which can be nutrient poor, smoking, alcohol, the contraceptive pill, medications and lack of sunlight can also result in poor absorption of nutrients.

Some vitamins and minerals are stored in the body, others we need daily. Many are necessary for the absorption of others. A well balanced diet is the best way to ensure that the body gets a plentiful supply of nutrients. However, there may be occasions when this is not possible, especially after illness, prolonged stress, poor appetite and poor diet. This is when supplementation of vitamins and minerals can be useful, but excessive doses ** can be harmful. It is important to discuss with a doctor, pharmacist or health practitioner if you are suffering from a medical condition, taking medication, planning a pregnancy or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

THE FOLLOWNG ARE VITAMINS, MINERALS AND SOME TRACE ELEMENTS WITH A SUMMARY OF THEIR FUNCTIONS AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCIES. For food sources of these vitamins go to www.health.gov.au click on 'healthy eating' then 'vitamins and minerals'