The vitamins and minerals that are most commonly absent from the typical person's diet

 

Photo by Lukas

There are a few vitamins and minerals that are commonly lacking in the typical American diet. Vitamin D, selenium and zinc account for more than 75% of the mineral content found in foods. Vitamin D helps support bones and reduce osteoporosis. Selenium supports thyroid function, immune function, protection against cancer growth and slows aging of cells. Zinc supports immune system health as well as protein metabolism

If you're eating a diet that's lacking in many vitamins and minerals, it's not entirely your fault: Your busy day might mean you get subpar nutrition without even realizing it. But the truth is out there - and this vitamin & mineral deficiency chart can help you see just how much your diet could be lacking.

The typical diets of the population are not sufficient to meet the recommended intakes for vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. While it may be possible to obtain these necessary nutrients through dietary supplements, in many cases essential nutrients are likely to become more available once they are consumed in a diet that provides adequate amounts of all macronutrients.

Without enough vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in your diet, you may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, bone and joint pain and other health problems.