THE DEFICIENCY QUIZ

Are you one of those people who takes a handful of supplements every day – just in case – but nothing seems to ‘work’? Maybe you are taking the wrong ones for your needs.*

Are you getting the right nutrients?

Ever wondered whether you’re getting the right mix of nutrients? You could be eating a lot of food – and be overweight – yet be suffering from malnutrition, as the average ‘supermarket diet’ is deficient in nutrients right across the spectrum.

If you’re eating a really healthy lowcarb diet, you’re probably on better footing, but we could probably all use a little help. Our bodies effectively need 13 vitamins and 12 minerals. They also need protein for essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, fibre, water, oxygen and we can toss in some antioxidants, phytochemicals and other special nutritional aids. Specific nutrients meet specific nutritional needs and can be real game changers; adequate nutrition can make the difference between an average existence and great health.

So let’s look at six vital nutrients to start with – in the form of a quiz, just for fun! See which ones you might be short of, in no particular order. Answers at the end, plus how to get more of them.