New research has underscored just how many of us are missing out on important nutrients in our diets.
The findings show that more than 50 per cent of women are living with a deficiency of selenium and more than a quarter are below recommended levels of both iron and potassium.
Among men a quarter are selenium deficient, 14 per cent are short of magnesium and one in ten are missing out on potassium. Ten per cent of younger women are also below recommended levels for calcium.
The findings come after the summer edition of Grape Tree highlighted how many of us could be deficient on five vital minerals. The new research has been published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition and is based on studying data from the first six years of findings in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey which was established in 2008.
The research focused on the mineral and vitamin consumption of individuals aged 20-59, a total of 3,238 people. Deficiencies were also recorded in Vitamins A, C and the B vitamins folate, B12 and riboflavin (B2).
The NHS commented, "All of these minerals and vitamins can help keep the body healthy and prevent chronic diseases so these results are potentially concerning."
The Grape Tree feature 'Are You Missing Out?' listed potential plant-based sources of the five minerals. They were:
Magnesium: Nuts, wholegrains, lentils, linseed and chia.
Calcium: Nuts, sesame seeds, chia, figs, dates and raisins.
Potassium: Dried fruit, including raisins, nuts, pumpkin seed and linseed.
Selenium: Just two brazil nuts a day contain all the selenium you need. Sunflower seeds, chia and sesame seeds are also sources.
Iron: Pumpkin seeds, quinoa, cashews, and lentils.
