Multiple studies have shown that vitamin D plays a key role in gut health by supporting the protective mucosa, the massive gut flora, the intestinal immune defense, and the regulation of inflammatory processes. According to a new review article published in Nutrients, lack of vitamin D, which is quite common, may therefore result in an increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which more and more people are affected by.

Magnesium deficiencies are rather common because of our refined diets, and the problem contributes to many diseases. According to a population study published in Diabetes & Metabolism, an adequate dietary magnesium intake lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and early death, especially among type 2 diabetics. The authors say that this knowledge should be included in the dietary guidelines, as type 2 diabetes is linked to cardiovascular disease and shorter lifespan. Type 2 diabetics may also have an increased need for magnesium and may even benefit from supplementation.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common gynecological infection that results in a considerable number of sick days and costs society a lot of money. In severe cases, the condition may lead to chronic pain and even sterility if it is not treated in time. There are different things that can cause the infection, and the diet plays key role in supporting the immune defense. Here, magnesium deficiency, which is quite common, appears to increase the risk, especially among older women, according to a study that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Ageing is a complex process that increases your risk of chronic disease. Also, menopause is linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Diet and lifestyle play a key role, and according to a review article published in Nutrients, combined therapy with vitamin D and K2 has a significant and positive effect on bone health, the heart, and the cardiovascular system in postmenopausal women.

Metabolic syndrome, which is the early stage of type 2 diabetes, is associated with overweight, insulin resistance, hypertension, and other metabolic disturbances. Low blood levels of vitamin D also appear to significantly increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, according to a large population study of young and middle-aged Chinese people. The researchers mention that vitamin D is important for blood sugar levels, lipid metabolism, and weight regulation. It is worth making a note of the fact that official guidelines for vitamin D supplementation are no guarantee of optimal blood levels of the nutrient.

Fibromyalgia causes muscle pains, tiredness, sleep problems, and impaired quality of life. It is primarily women who are affected, and several studies have shown that diet plays a role in the development of the disease. The same goes for the the intake of calcium and magnesium, which must be balanced correctly. Magnesium deficiency is rather common and can increase the risk of metabolic disturbances and inflammation, which contributes to the development and symptoms of the disease. This was shown in a study of women that is published in Advances in Rheumatology. Patients suffering from fibromyalgia should also pay attention to Q10 deficiency and food intolerance.

Refined foods and poor dietary habits are the reasons why billions of people in the world lack essential nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, selenium and zinc. This catastrophic nutrient crisis, which even affects people in the western world, contributes to infections and pandemics, impaired fertility, poor quality of life, chronic diseases, and early death, according to a study that is published in The Lancet Global Health. The study authors call their results very alarming and believe that it is necessary for health authorities to take action now to improve public health. There is also a problem with lack of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, even though they were not included in the study.

A cold is a common and contagious virus that normally lasts around a week. If a person has poor resistance, however, complications such as sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia may follow. Colds cause a substantial number of sick days and represent a huge socioeconomic burden to society, but zinc supplementation seems to be able to reduce the number of sick days. Just remember to get enough vitamin D also because of interactions between the two nutrients.

Chromium plays a role in insulin sensitivity and stable blood sugar levels. Multiple studies even suggest that chromium supplementation can counteract insulin resistance, thereby lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and its precursor, metabolic syndrome, which is linked to cardiovascular disease. This was described in a review article published in Heliyon. Here, the authors address chromium’s molecular mechanisms and the role of chromium supplements in cardiovascular disease. It is important to choose chromium in the form of chromium yeast because it has superior absorption. What is also needed to maintain stable blood sugar levels and healthy circulation is a sufficient supply of protein, healthy fats, and limited carbohydrate intake.

Magnesium is important for an array of biochemical reactions that are involved in energy turnover, the nervous system, and muscle contraction. Lack of magnesium can therefore result in impaired physical performance, sore muscles, and muscle cramps – especially after a training session. Physically active people and athletes should be sure to get enough magnesium and beware that the need for magnesium increases with increasing activity. According to a review article published in Journal of Translational Medicine, it may be wise to take a high-quality magnesium supplement prior to training.