Overfed and Undernourished, Americans’ Dietary Deficiencies Are an Opportunity for Food Manufacturers

Although Americans are in many ways healthier than ever before — many infectious diseases have been conquered, and deficiencies in essential nutrients have been dramatically reduced — rates of chronic illnesses that may be connected to poor quality diet are on the rise. Recent data from the CDC indicates that nearly 50 percent of adults in the US have one (or more) chronic diseases that may be related to poor nutrition. Among these are type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many of us are deficient in 12 key nutrients, which could be contributing to the rise in chronic disease. This signals an opportunity for manufacturers of enriched foods and nutritional supplements.

This infographic illustrates the findings of a recent study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services which showed that US adults under-consume these 12 nutrients: potassium, dietary fiber, choline, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, folic acid, and iodine.

Data from the National Institutes of Health indicates that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, weak bones, bone pain, and muscle weakness. These deficiencies also may play a role in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and autoimmune conditions like as multiple sclerosis. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are the single the single most prevalent cause of preventable brain damage. IDDs are also linked to hypothyroidism, goiter, and other disorders. Potassium deficiency can lead to hypertension.

It’s paradoxical that Americans, on average, consume more calories than their bodies need and yet are deficient in many essential vitamins and minerals that are meant to be obtained through proper diets. But how can we be both overfed and undernourished at the same time? Because we consume too much of the wrong types of food, like foods high in sugar, sodium, and fat, and we don’t eat enough nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

As public education and fitness trends make Americans more aware of their dietary needs, they are seeking fortified foods and supplements that can help them reach recommended daily intake levels of essential nutrients. This is good news for food and beverage manufacturers that are looking to engage with consumers who are increasingly health-conscious.

Watson’s custom nutritional premixes include precise combinations of micro and macro-nutrients specifically designed to suit your unique food product. Each nutrient component is pre-scaled and precision-blended into a premix. Any combination of essential nutrients can be added to a wide range of food products, from drinks to meal-replacement bars, as well as to supplements.

If you want to learn more about how to choose a premix supplier, watch our video on choosing a Custom Nutrient Premix supplier.

Originally published at blog.watson-inc.com.