Other Nutrients

Choline

Prevalence: ~90% below AI (550 mg/day men, 425 mg/day women).
At-Risk Groups: General population, especially those not eating eggs/meat.
Health Impacts: Liver damage, cognitive decline, muscle damage.
Cause: Low intake of eggs, liver, meat; limited awareness of choline needs.

 

Antioxidants (e.g., Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C)

Prevalence: Subclinical shortfalls common; ~10-20% may have low antioxidant status.
At-Risk Groups: Smokers, those with low fruit/vegetable intake.
Health Impacts: Increased oxidative stress, higher risk of chronic diseases (cancer, heart disease).
Cause: Low intake of antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts).

Sulfur (S) (via sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine, cysteine)

Prevalence: Rare; tied to protein deficiency (~1-2% in at-risk groups).
At-Risk Groups: Vegans, elderly with low protein intake.
Health Impacts: Impaired detoxification, poor connective tissue health.
Cause: Low intake of sulfur-containing foods (eggs, meat, garlic).

 

Fluoride (F)

Prevalence: ~20% of population may have suboptimal intake in non-fluoridated areas.
At-Risk Groups: Those in non-fluoridated water regions, low-income groups.
Health Impacts: Increased dental caries, weaker bones (severe cases).
Cause: Lack of fluoridated water, low intake of tea/seafood.

 

Vanadium (V)

Prevalence: Data scarce; likely rare due to low requirements. At-Risk Groups: Those with extremely limited diets.
Health Impacts: Possible impaired glucose metabolism (theoretical).
Cause: Low intake of mushrooms, shellfish; not well-studied in humans.

 

Boron (B)

Prevalence: Data limited; possibly 10-20% have suboptimal intake.
At-Risk Groups: Those with low fruit/nut intake.
Health Impacts: Possible bone health issues, impaired brain function.
Cause: Low intake of fruits, nuts, legumes.

 

Silicon (Si)

Prevalence: Data scarce; possibly 10-15% have suboptimal intake.
At-Risk Groups: Those with low whole grain/vegetable intake.
Health Impacts: Potential issues with bone and connective tissue health.
Cause: Low intake of whole grains, vegetables, beer (a silicon source).