Why Should We Use "Supplements"? - "Dr. Murat Erkan"

Summary

Dr. Murat Erkan discusses the vital role of nutritional supplements in modern diets, emphasizing that our bodies require essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are often lacking in today's industrialized and urbanized food sources. He highlights common deficiencies, including vitamin D, A, iron, and iodine, and stresses the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health. Erkan advocates for the use of multi-vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as omega-3 products, to prevent health issues like weakened immunity, mental fatigue, and developmental problems, particularly in children. He calls for a cultural shift toward proactive supplementation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Our bodies require essential nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to function properly.
• 😀 Enzymes, which are proteins, require coenzymes (vitamins and minerals) to function, and without them, our body can't process nutrients.
• 😀 Proteins, especially amino acids, must come from external food sources, as the body cannot produce them on its own.
• 😀 Modern diets, particularly in industrialized societies, often lack sufficient vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• 😀 Studies have shown that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are prevalent, even among healthy individuals, with deficiencies in Vitamin A, D, iron, zinc, and B-complex vitamins being common.
• 😀 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the body, but modern diets often have an imbalance of Omega-3 and Omega-6, which affects brain function, immunity, and overall health.
• 😀 Omega-3 supplementation is necessary due to the low quality and quantity of Omega-3 in farmed fish and modern food sources.
• 😀 Vitamins and minerals work together in a metabolic network, where the absence of one can lead to the dysfunction of others.
• 😀 Nutritional supplements, including multivitamins and Omega-3, are crucial for maintaining proper nutrient balance in our diets.
• 😀 In developed countries, nutritional supplements are commonly used to address nutrient deficiencies and improve physical and mental health, a practice that should be adopted more widely in other societies.

Q & A

Why are enzymes important for our health?

Enzymes are crucial because they help the body process proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Without them, the body cannot produce energy, and essential bodily functions like growth and development are disrupted.

What are coenzymes, and why are they necessary?

Coenzymes are micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that are needed for enzymes to function. Without coenzymes, enzymes cannot work effectively, leading to issues with nutrient absorption and energy production.

Why can't the body produce certain vitamins and minerals?

The body cannot synthesize essential vitamins and minerals because they are not derived from other nutrients, such as carbohydrates or fats. This is why we need to obtain them from external sources, like food or supplements.

What is the impact of industrialized farming on nutrient intake?

Industrialized farming, including greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables and farm-raised animals, has led to a decrease in the nutritional value of food. This results in common deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the population.

What are some common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in modern societies?

Common deficiencies in urbanized societies include vitamin D, vitamin A, B complex vitamins, iron, and iodine. Studies show that even healthy individuals, including children, often suffer from these deficiencies.

Why is Omega-3 supplementation necessary?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain function, immunity, and overall cell health. Modern diets often lack sufficient Omega-3, which can lead to poor mental health, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

How does the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio affect our health?

A proper balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is crucial for normal cell function. If Omega-3 levels fall too low compared to Omega-6, it can lead to issues like impaired brain function, sleep disturbances, and increased inflammation.

What is the significance of the 1992 study in Turkey regarding nutrient deficiencies?

The 1992 study in Turkey revealed alarming deficiencies in healthy children, including vitamin A (12%), vitamin E (22%), and B vitamins (80%). These findings underscore the widespread nature of nutrient deficiencies, even among healthy individuals.

What are the recommendations for addressing nutrient deficiencies in modern societies?

The primary recommendation is to incorporate nutritional supplements, including multivitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, into daily routines. These supplements help fill the nutritional gaps left by modern diets and environmental factors.

Why does Dr. Murat Erkan believe that nutritional supplements should be part of daily life?

Dr. Erkan believes that nutritional supplements are necessary due to the widespread nutrient deficiencies in modern diets, particularly in urbanized societies. Supplements can help ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, improving overall health and disease resistance.