A new study shows that identifying and correcting bodily deficiencies are crucial factors in addressing infections and chronic diseases.Hidden Hunger Disrupts Immune Function in Autoimmune Disease Patients
The term "Hidden Hunger" describes the gradual accumulation of marginal deficiencies in essential micronutrients within the body, which ultimately result in diseases.
Research published by the Metabolomic Medicine® team in the esteemed British medical journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health highlights the importance of detecting and correcting critical nutrient shortages in the body.
This approach contributes to the prevention and treatment of various health issues, including infections, chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and heart-related ailments[1].
A person's metabolic state, nutrient deficiencies, and vitamin D levels are critical health indicators[2].
Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, can:
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Impair immune system function.
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Intensify inflammation.
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Heighten the risk of infections.
- Worsen chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and respiratory issues.
This kind of marginal, chronic nutrient deficiencies, known as 'hidden hunger', is a key underlying factor in various diseases.
As discussed in our BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health publication, identifying micronutrient deficiencies through metabolomic testing enables precise remediation.
Addressing these deficiencies effectively:
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Boosts immune system performance.
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Enhances control over inflammation.
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Lowers infection vulnerability.
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Markedly improves metabolic health.
- Positively alters the progression of diseases in affected patients.
Micronutrient Deficiencies Are Widespread in the Majority of the Population
Despite the fact that deficiencies in micronutrients are common and affect nearly the entire population, they often go undetected.
Such deficiencies are more pronounced in high-risk groups vulnerable to viral infections. Doctors should consider this during the clinical assessment of patients[2].
Certain population groups are more likely to have greater micronutrient deficiencies. Additionally, many years of inflammatory diseases and long-term medication use further exacerbate these deficiencies, increasing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in these individuals.
Notably, the metabolic factors and micronutrient deficiencies that predispose individuals to chronic and autoimmune diseases are similar to those increasing vulnerability to viral infection.
The poor metabolic health of the global population has reached epidemic proportions[3].
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Image 1. Metabolic factors (deficiencies, diet, hypertension, elevated sugar levels, obesity, hyperlipidemia, increased alcohol consumption) are the leading cause of disease worldwide. F. Branca et al., The BMJ 2019.
The simultaneous coexistence of multiple metabolic risk factors (hidden hunger, obesity, insulin resistance) significantly impacts the health of the global population[4][5].
Targeted Analysis for Detecting Deficiencies and Metabolic Disorders
Nutrient deficiencies affect immune system function and normal physiological processes, increasing disease risk[2]. Fortunately, these effects can be reversed by correcting deficiencies. Achieving micronutrient sufficiency and improving overall metabolic health is crucial in preventing and treating infections and chronic diseases.
Until a few years ago, accurately identifying individual deficiencies with traditional measurement methods was challenging. Thus, corrections were based on general guidelines. Recently, targeted tests that measure small molecules involved in the body's chemical reactions have become available, accurately identifying specific deficiencies and metabolic disorders[1].
Metabolomic tests are an additional diagnostic tool that precisely maps an individual's metabolic profile and nutrient deficiencies. Detecting and correcting these deficiencies with therapeutic doses of micronutrients improves overall health, the course of infections, and chronic health issues such as autoimmune, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.
These analyses are not comparable to ordinary laboratory tests. They are highly specialized tests conducted in only a few laboratories worldwide with very high standards.
Increasing scientific evidence confirms that correcting bodily deficiencies and restoring metabolism can radically change the course of a broad spectrum of diseases or prevent their onset.
Encouragingly, these deficiencies and metabolic disorders are not due to hereditary factors but to ones that can be modified. The Metabolomic Medicine® scientific team recommends identifying and correcting these deficiencies as a health goal for the entire population.
Improving the body's overall metabolic state through intensive medical intervention in lifestyle and diet protects against viral infections and managing and preventing chronic health diseases.
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Bibliographic References
[1] Micronutrient deficiencies in patients with COVID-19: how metabolomics can contribute to their prevention and replenishment. Dimitris Tsoukalas1,2 and Evangelia Sarandi2,3 BMJ Nutri Prev Heal. Nov. 2020; bmjnph-2020-000169
Author affiliations
- European Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Metabolomic Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Medical School of the University of Crete, Crete, Greece
View Full Text http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000169
Dietary micronutrients in the wake of COVID-19: an appraisal of evidence with a focus on high-risk groups and preventative healthcare. McAuliffe S, Ray S, Fallon E, et al. BMJ Nutr Prev Heal 2020:bmjnph-2020-000100.
[3] Transforming the food system to fight non-communicable diseases. Francesco Branca et. al. BMJ 2019.
[3] Transforming the food system to fight non-communicable diseases. Francesco Branca et. al. BMJ 2019.
[4] Offline: COVID-19 is not a pandemic Richard Horton. The Lancet Journal. September 26, 2020.
[5] The Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change: The Lancet Commission report. January 27, 2019.
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