The beneficial effects of consuming omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on cardiovascular health have been studied extensively.
Chronic undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent across the developing world. In addition to its substantial human costs, undernutrition has lifelong economic consequences.
Micronutrients have many functions in the human organism. For example, they are needed to make macromolecules or as cofactors for essential enzymatic reactions. Micronutrient functions are based on their biochemical properties and are utilized in food technology. Many industrially processed foods contain additives that are in fact natural or nature-identical micronutrients. Their purpose is to improve the consistency of the food and to give it certain characteristics. Additives are selected based on their primary function in the finished food product. Micronutrients are usually used as antioxidants – to prevent oxidative processes that impair food quality – and as coloring agents to compensate for color lost during processing. Additives are generally labeled with E numbers. The use of additives in food is only permitted if it is technologically necessary, if they have been investigated and found to be harmless, and have passed inspection by the food safety authorities.
The term “hidden hunger” refers to a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals which is not immediately apparent and can exist for a long time before clinical signs of malnutrition become obvious.
Micronutrient deficiencies due to dietary inadequacy are widespread in the developing world, where they may contribute to risks of morbidity, mortality, poor growth and development, and impaired cognition.
In addition to normal, age-related deterioration in brain function, the risk of a pathological decline in mental and intellectual abilities increases with age. Typical of such diseases – collectively called dementia, although there are several sub-forms – is deterioration in memory capacity, cognitive performance, language and practical skills. As a consequence, those affected can no longer perform everyday tasks. The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, a form in which harmful proteins (plaques) accumulate in the nerve cells of the brain, and vascular dementia, characterized by narrowing of the blood vessels due to atherosclerosis. Since dementia cannot at present be cured, early recognition and prophylaxis are extremely important. In addition to regular physical exercise and mental activity, a balanced and micronutrient-rich diet can help prevent the onset and combat the progression of dementia.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for growth and metabolism. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 2 billion people are deficient in key vitamins and minerals.
Studies have shown that adequate intakes of the micronutrients vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly contribute to the prevention, treatment, and/or slowing progression of a variety of age-related ocular illnesses.
Few scientific subjects have generated as many controversial opinions as antioxidants have. The topic is discussed not only in the scientific literature but also in the lay press.
Inflammation is a normal reaction of the body intended to remove harmful internal or external irritants and create conditions conducive to repair processes. An inflammatory reaction is a complex process involving numerous elements of the immune system. An excessive immune response or an immune system that attacks the body’s own structures (e.g. certain cells or tissues) can lead to persistent (chronic) inflammation. In this case, the immune system not only attacks pathogenic factors but also damages healthy structures, thus forming the basis for many chronic diseases. In recent years the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases has greatly increased, especially in industrialized countries. A major cause of this increase, apart from genetic factors, is an unhealthy lifestyle, in particular an unbalanced diet and lack of exercise. A diet with plenty of micronutrients, some of which possess anti-inflammatory properties, can help prevent the development of chronic inflammatory diseases.
