Nutrient-nutrient interactions
Nutrient-nutrient interactions are becoming common as nutrient supplements are prescribed to address present, potential, or perceived deficiencies.
Outcomes
The interactions may confer benefit or harm. Beneficial interactions enhance the effectiveness of one or more nutrients whilst harmful interactions reduce nutrient availability.
Example of beneficial outcomes
Magnesium is important in many functions in the body, including the activation of some specific vitamins. The availability of an adequate amount of both magnesium and specific vitamin means the nutrient is utilised optimally. Inadequate availability of either magnesium or specific vitamin means the full benefit of the vitamin intervention will not be realised.
Example of harmful outcomes
Both iron and copper are important in many body functions, and are also interdependent. Excessive or inadequate availability of either one means altered availability of the other.
Nutrient-nutrient interventions are gaining traction in both the healthcare sector and the broader public. Until our understanding of these interactions improves, ongoing harm will occur.
Mechanisms and consequences The interdependence of copper-iron interactions, and their importance in health management, remains overlooked and under-researched. Deficiencies or ...
