Experts have claimed there is a ticking time-bomb of vitamin deficiency in the UK with many people not getting enough of key minerals, such as magnesium, in their diet.
Micronutrients are substances including vitamins and minerals that are required by the human body in tiny amounts. They are described by the World Health Organisation as “magic wands” that help the body to produce enzymes and hormones needed for growth and development
Magnesium supports more than 300 key bodily functions and boffins at Viridian Nutrition claim most people are lacking sufficient quantities of the mineral.
It is required for electrolyte balance, hormone production and metabolism, energy production and muscle function. As a result, a low magnesium status has been linked to low mood, poor sleep, fatigue, stress and hormonal imbalance.
Spices, nuts, cereals, cocoa and green leafy vegetables such as spinach are rich in magnesium.
Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (years 1-6), reveals a massive magnesium deficiency in younger males and females (aged in their 20s) with 19 per cent well below the body’s requirements. Increased consumption of refined foods is also having an impact on low levels of the mineral and many people were in need of vitamin and mineral supplements.
While magnesium deficiency was most marked, suboptimal levels in this age group were also found across a disturbingly wide array of essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, copper, selenium and iron.
Viridian Nutrition has named magnesium as ‘Viridian Ingredient of the Year 2022’ in further anticipation of its positive influence on nutrition and health.
Viridian technical director Aimée Benbow said: “Magnesium is an absolute giant in the field of nutrition, with a substantial library of research, significant and widespread deficiency, and the potential for supplements to bring enormous nutritional benefit.”
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