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AuthorTopic: Too much nutrients?
bk
11-06-2002
09:55 PM		Hi,

I've been trying to find some literature to reference as proof that when consuming raw fruits, it is very difficult to over-eat.

Overeating I mean not in terms of calories, but in terms of vitamins, minerals, etc.

For people who hear I have 3 or 4 liters of orange juice per day (they ask how many oranges that is --- it's between 55 and 70, depending on the oranges), they almost all say that that is completely overdoing it.

So, I know Wai has said things to the effect that the body reduces its absorption when necessary, but where is the proof?

Thanks!
RRM
11-07-2002
07:52 AM		Okay, let us start with something we already have proof for; the calcium absorption rates:

quote:
From http://www.4.waisays.com :
"As with all minerals, the body normally absorbs just as much calcium from our food as it needs. Only about 200 mg is absorbed into the blood, on the average, whether we consume 300 mg or 700 mg calcium daily, or sometimes even when we consume up to 1200 mg supplementary calcium daily. (13) In order to absorb the right amount of calcium, absorption rate decreases when we consume more calcium.

(13) Kung AW, Age-related osteoporosis in Chinese: an evaluation of the response of intestinal calcium absorption and calcitropic hormones to dietary calcium deprivation. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1998 / 68 (6) / 1291-1297. , Wang MC, et al, Associations of vitamin C, calcium and protein with bone mass in postmenopausal Mexican American women. Osteoporos Int 1997 / 7(6) / 533-8.
RRM
11-07-2002
10:03 AM		Researching the absorption rate of vitamin C, I came accross these studies:

quote:
From this study:
"Four factors including restricted diet ... affect the normal absorption, retention and activity of necessary micronutrients
...
inappropriately high supplementation of vitamin C may cause toxicities"
As long as natural foods are consumed, the body can easily 'recognize' the package the vitamins come with, and thus be able to adapt the absorption rate.
Supplements are so concentrated, and unnatural, that they body may not be able to sufficiently adapt the absorption rate, and thus overdosing vitamin C has toxic effects.

quote:
From this study:
"Although the level of maternal vitamin C intake can influence the circulating concentration in the fetus, there is a decrease associated with increasing gestational age, independent of the maternal diet."
So, it is NOT that the more vitamin C is offered, the higher the blood vitamin C level; the absorption rate is adjusted according to the need for it, which happens more effectively as babies grows older.