Nutrition and Chronic Disease
A wide variety of nutrients have been associated with a variety of diseases or health states, often with varying degrees of association. The table below summarises the nutritional research that has examined the protective or increased incidence of nutrients on chronic diseases.
| Disease State | Protective Effect | Increased Incidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer | Carotenes
Vitamins C, D & E n-3 fatty acids High intakes of fruits/vegetables |
Low vitamin A and folate intakes
High total fat intake Low fibre intake |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Vitamins C, D & E
High dietary fibre intakes Low intakes of saturated fats Higher intakes of mono- and poly-unsaturated fats |
Low folate intakesHigh sodium intakes
High magnesium intakes High iron intakes |
| Immunocompetence | Glutaminen-3 fatty acids | MalnutritionZinc, copper, iron and selenium deficiencies.
Vitamin A, B6, C & E deficiencies |
| Osteoporosis | High calcium intakes
Magnesium, flouride, and vitamin C and D intakes |
Low calcium intakes
High sodium and protein intakes |
| Anaemia | Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency
Copper deficiency |
|
| Cataract/Macular Degeneration | Antioxidants | |
| Diabetes | Chromium
Fibre, complex carbohydrate Resistant starch Monounsaturated fats |
Low vitamin E |
| Bowel Health | n-3 fatty acids
Oligosaccharides |
High intakes of fat & total protein |