Nutrients & Chronic Disease
A wide variety of nutrients have been associated with a variety of diseases or health states, often with varying degrees of association.
| 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 intakes
High sodium intakes High magnesium intakes High iron intakes |
| Immunocompetence | Glutamine
n-3 fatty acids |
Malnutrition
Zinc, copper, iron and selenium deficiencies Vitamin A, B6, C & E deficiencies |
| Osteoporosis | High calcium intake
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 |