Phytonutrient Gap Widens

ADA, MIPeople around the world are not getting enough phytonutrients in their diets, due to a lack of fruits and vegetable intake, according to research recently presented by Amways Nutrilite Health Institute. While the research focused on the United States and Korea, the findings suggest more widespread phytonutrient gaps, as the global intake of vegetables and fruits has declined, researchers said.

Yumei Lin, PhD., a Nutrilite scientist, presented the study to members of the International Union of Nutrition Science during the 20th International Congress of Nutrition in Granada, Spain. He noted prior research identified phytonutrient gaps in Korea (2012) and the United States (2010), but the new research from his team looked at the issue on a global scale. Using World Health Survey (WHS) Data and Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) Data, which maps clusters, the new research includes an analysis of the number of servings of fruit and vegetables consumed, the top fruits and vegetables consumed based on volume intake, and indicate the most concentrated phytonutrient sources among the fruits and vegetables being consumed.

Phytonutrients in fruits, vegetables and other plants may provide a range of health benefits, as shown by a growing  body of research, making these compounds an important part of a healthy diet. The Korean and U.S. studies, both published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, revealed lycopene and ellagic acid, commonly found in watermelon and tomatoes, as the largest such gap in Korea; Americans showed the largest gap in quercetin, found in apples and onions, and allicin, found in garlic.

Our parents and doctors have always told us to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and while we may make every effort to do so, what is also critically important is eating a variety of these foods," Lin said, adding doing so results in consuming a variety of phytonutrients, and that can lead to better overall health. The research we presented ... furthers the growing conversation around how, where and why we should include phytonutrients in our diets." She noted research is revealing that no matter where we live, we are all well-served by finding more ways to bring a variety of phytonutrients into our diets. She confirmed building a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables first is the ideal goal, but also recommended natural, plant-based supplements to help fill phytonutrient gaps.