Consumers Association ignores Food Consumption Measurements RIVM

In the article "Better resistance from a jar?" in the October Consumer Guide, the Consumers Union reports incompletely, writing that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are rare in most people. It ignores practice as evidenced by food consumption surveys.

In fact, the Dutch Food Consumption Surveys show that a very large group of people do not reach the recommendation of 2 ounces of vegetables, 2 pieces of fruit and fish twice a week. Only 1% to 14% of the population meets the recommendation for vegetables (depending on the age group)1. And only 3% to 26% of the population meets the recommendation for fruit1. It is unclear whether this fact in itself leads to health disadvantages. However, it is clear that the diet of part of the population contains less vitamin A, B1, C and E and magnesium, potassium and zinc than recommended by the Health Council or other authorities1.

The Consumers' Association writes that deficiencies are rare in most people. They do indicate that certain target groups could use extra vitamin D and folic acid, but ignore the other identified deficiencies in many people's diets, relative to the recommendations. They do not take into account food consumption survey results on what people actually take in.

Of course, a better diet is a first designated point of improvement. When people are not meeting the recommendation, a dietary supplement may well be a valuable addition.

By ignoring nutritional deficiencies, the Consumers Union is providing incomplete information. And that while good nutrition supplemented with the right nutritional supplements can actually provide health gains and cost savings in health care.

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