Lack of vitamin D and iodine
(BZfE) – In Germany, many people have a vitamin D deficiency. The study on the health of adults in Germany (DEGS) has shown that the supply of iodine is not optimal for every third adult either. For the first wave of the survey, blood and urine samples from almost 2008 participants were analyzed between 2011 and 8.000.
The body needs vitamin D primarily for bone metabolism. However, according to current data, every third German with a serum concentration of less than 30 nmol/l has a 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency, reports the German Society for Nutrition (DGE). Only just under 40 percent are adequately supplied. The body can produce vitamin D itself under the influence of UVB light. Therefore, between March and October, you should go out in the sun two to three times a week with your face, hands and arms uncovered and without sunscreen, but without risking sunburn.
Folate is important for cell growth, division and differentiation. Good care is therefore particularly important during pregnancy and in phases of growth. 86 percent of the adult population has an adequate supply of folic acid (at least 4,4 ng/ml). However, the recommended concentrations for women of childbearing potential are not reached by most women. Anyone who wants or could become pregnant should therefore take 400 µg of folic acid daily as a supplement in the first trimester of pregnancy so that the unborn child can develop optimally.
Iodine is a vital trace element and, among other things, a component of the thyroid hormones. Due to geographic conditions, Germany is an iodine deficiency area. The iodine supply is not satisfactory for 30 percent of adults. According to the DGE, one solution could be the increased use of iodised table salt in the food industry.
The mineral potassium is involved, among other things, in the regulation of the water balance and the conduction of stimuli via the nerves. A reasonable intake is 4.000 mg per day, which is usually achieved. In the case of sodium, the intake is even too high: for the majority, the intake is far above the reference value of 1,5 g per day for an adult. An average of 4,0 g was measured in men and 3,4 g in women, which corresponds to around 10 g or 9 g of table salt per day. This is concerning because too much table salt increases the risk of high blood pressure. A maximum of 6 g per day is recommended.
"Anyone who eats a wholesome diet and uses the variety of foods usually takes in enough nutrients," explains nutritionist Harald Seitz from the Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE). "Avoid processed products, which usually contain a lot of salt." In the case of certain illnesses and special stresses, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in old age and in the case of food intolerance, it can make sense to take food supplements. "Those affected are best advised by a nutritionist or a nutritionist," advises Seitz.
Heike Kreutz, www.bzfe.de
