According to an assessment conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are several nutrients that the U.S. population is deficient in, as a whole. Meaning that many Americans will not only suffer from long-term health effects, but also may not be feeling as good as they should be in general. Here are some of the most common vitamins and minerals we’re missing:
Vitamin C
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Males over the age of 19: 90 mg
Females over the age of 19: 75 mg
The best sources for vitamin C are citrus fruits, tomatoes, tomato juice, and potatoes. Vitamin C can also be found in bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts and cantaloupe.
We need vitamin C to contribute to the production of collagen and also to metabolize proteins. It also plays a role in immune system function and improves the absorption of iron. Without vitamin C, we’re susceptible to scurvy – which causes fatigue, loss of teeth, inflammation of the gums, joint pain, and poor wound healing.