Newswise — ADA, Mich., Sept. 16, 2013 – Amway’s Nutrilite Health Institute today presented preliminary global phytonutrient research findings which suggest that people around the world may lack different key phytonutrients in their diets due to low global fruit and vegetable intakes. The results were presented by Nutrilite scientist, Yumei Lin, PhD, before members of the International Union of Nutrition Science during the 20th International Congress of Nutrition in Granada, Spain. These findings begin to unravel phytonutrient gaps worldwide and add to previous Nutrilite research which revealed shortfalls in phytonutrient consumption in Korea and the United States.
Phytonutrients, compounds found in colorful fruits and vegetables, and which research suggests may provide a range of health benefits, are increasingly recognized as important components of a healthy diet. Yet research conducted in Korea in 2012 and the U.S. in 2010 - both published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - indicates that phytonutrients are limited in many diets and come from a limited variety of food sources.1,2 For example, the largest gap in Korea was found in lycopene and ellagic acid, commonly found in watermelon and tomatoes,3 while Americans showed the largest gap in quercetin which is often contained in apples and onions and allicin which can be found in garlic.4,5
The research presented today by Amway’s Nutrilite Health Institute staff suggests that phytonutrient intake gaps are not relegated to Korea and the U.S. alone, rather, we are likely facing global phytonutrient shortfalls, which may vary regionally due to different diets.
“Our parents and doctors have always told us to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and while we may make every effort to do so, what is also critically important is eating a variety of these foods. Doing so results in consuming a variety of phytonutrients, and that can lead to better overall health,” said Dr. Lin.
“The research we presented today furthers the growing conversation around how, where and why we should include phytonutrients in our diets. As the world’s number one selling brand of vitamins and dietary supplements*, Nutrilite is dedicated to understanding global phytonutrient needs. Research is revealing that no matter where we live, we are all well-served by finding more ways to bring a variety of phytonutrients into our diets,” said Dr. Lin. While building a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables first is the ideal goal, Dr. Lin recommends natural, plant-based supplements like those made by Nutrilite to help fill phytonutrient gaps.
Nutrilite supports ongoing research to better understand the role of phytonutrients in our health, as well as supplementation trends and the best ways to deliver optimal health for every lifestyle.
Publication of the complete findings from Nutrilite’s global phytonutrient research is anticipated in 2014.
###
About NUTRILITENUTRILITE® is the world's No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplements brand* offered exclusively from Amway. The NUTRILITE brand is the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest, and process plants on its own certified organic farms.* Farms are located in California, Washington, Mexico and Brazil. (www.nutrilite.com).
About AmwayAmway is one of the world’s largest direct selling businesses. Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Ada, Michigan, Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. The company also provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Access Business Group and Alticor Corporate Enterprises divisions. In its most recent fiscal year, the Amway family of companies reported annual sales of $11.3 billion.
**Source: Euromonitor International Limited; www.euromonitor.com/amway-claims. 1 Lee HS, Cho YH, Park J, Shin HR, Sung MK. Dietary Intake of Phytonutrients in Relation to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Korea. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013; Sep;113(9):1194-1199.
2 Murphy MM, Barraj LM, Herman D, Bi X, Cheatham R, Randolph RK. Phytonutrient Intake by adults in the United States in relation to fruit and vegetable consumption. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012; 112(2): 222-229.
3 America’s Phytonutrient Report: Quantifying the Gap. Buena Park, CA: Nutrilite Health Institute; 2010. http://www.nutrilite.com/en-us/Media/AmericaPhytonutrientReport.pdf. Accessed June 28, 2013.
4 Haeng-Shin L. Phytonutrient Consumption Report - Quantifying the Phytonutrients Gaps by Color in Korea. Amway Korea Ltd. 2012 July
5 In the absence of government guidelines for phytonutrients, the U.S. and Korean studies identified “prudent intake” levels of phytonutrients as the levels of intake by individuals meeting recommended fruit and vegetable intakes. The “phytonutrient gap” was then determined by comparing the “prudent intake” levels with intakes by individuals failing to meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables.
RSS