NUTRITION

Fats are an essential part of the diet, and were one of the main energy sources in our early ancestors when carbohydrates from tubers and fruits were only seasonally available. However, with food processing and modern technology, we started consuming large amounts of saturated and trans fats which seem to be harmful to our health. To make informed decisions on our food, we need to understand the health risks of consuming ‘bad’ fats.

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is one of the water-soluble vitamins, belonging to the vitamin B complex. It can be obtained from many food sources and fortified food products, and can be taken as a dietary supplement. However, important to note is that only 30% of niacin is absorbed, and with niacin’s role in cellular metabolism, having poor nutrition can cause potential health issues.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps our body to metabolize macronutrients and create energy. Riboflavin can be obtained from foods, but even with consumption of (processed) fortified food products, vitamin B2 deficiency can still occur. A better understanding of vitamin B2 might be helpful to improve our health.

Calcium is an essential mineral, important for bone, teeth, nerve and muscle health. It is especially important in adolescence in order to support bone structure, function and growth. As there are particular groups of people that have a higher calcium requirement, we need to know if we are getting enough calcium from our diet or if there is a need for extra supplementation.

Protein is an essential building block for our muscles, hormones, neurotransmitters and many other tissues in the body. Given that nearly 10% of our brain is made of protein, it’s important to understand how protein impacts our brain and affects our cognition, mood, energy levels and other functions.