Weight-Loss Strategies Can Affect Risk of Micronutrient Deficiencies

Weight-Loss Strategies Can Affect

Risk of Micronutrient Deficiencies

At a Glance:

While losing weight carries many health benefits, cutting

calories may inadvertently lead to cutting micronutrient

intakes as well. Researchers have found an increased risk

of vitamin and mineral deficiencies in females using certain

popular diets.

Read more about this research below:

Cutting excess calories is a key component of all successful

weight-loss strategies. However, consuming less food can lead

to lower micronutrient intakes if individuals aren’t careful.

Researchers from Stanford University recently conducted a

study among 300 overweight or obese women who were

randomly assigned to follow one of four popular weight-loss

diets: Atkins, Zone, LEARN, or Ornish. Dietary surveys were

administered at the start of the study and after two months of

weight loss. From that data, intake levels of 17 vitamins and

minerals were estimated.

Regardless of which diet was used, participants were able to

reduce their calorie intake from an average of 2000 calories/day

to 1500 calories/day. (One pound of weight loss requires a net

reduction of 3500 calories.) Somewhat unsurprisingly, that reduction

in calories led to a reduction in vitamin and mineral intake for many

participants. Vitamin E was the worst nutrient affected, with more

than 65% of women receiving inadequate levels while following

their diet guidelines. Overall, 12 of the 17 nutrients measured saw

differences in intake levels between the start and end of the study.

One way to compensate for potential micronutrient deficiencies is

use of a quality multivitamin supplement. However, of the four

diets examined in this study, only one recommended use of a

supplement, and only 3 participants followed that recommendation.

The researchers also found that in some individuals, risk of

micronutrient deficiencies actually decreased when participants

placed an emphasis on replacing calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods

with low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods.

This research emphasizes the importance of choosing a weight-loss

strategy that focuses on more than just cutting calories. A proper

weight-loss strategy must also focus on healthy dietary choices,

including an emphasis on adequate vitamin and mineral intake.

Gardner CD, Kim S, Bersamin A, Dopler-Nelson M, Otten J, Oelrich B,

Cherin R. Micronutrient quality of weight-loss diets that focus on

macronutrients: results from the A TO Z study. 2010. American

Journal of Clinical Nutrition 92(2): ePub ahead of print. Retrieved

online 14 July 2010.

Essentials of Health Newsletter is Copywritten by USANA Health Sciences