Fighting against micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc., is the mission of micronutrition. How do you know if you are suffering from a nutrient deficiency? Who to consult? What are the benefits of this method? What are its advantages and disadvantages ? Explanations from Amalia Boxberger, specialized in micronutrition.
Micronutrition is a natural approach to healthy eating. This concept was developed by doctors in 1992. The principle? “It consists of providing the body with micronutrients that are lacking in our body, thus generating fatigue, pain and illness. explains Amalia Boxberger. “However, although these are essential for the proper functioning of the body, they are not manufactured by the body and can only be provided to us through food”.
What are micronutrients?
Micronutrients are a big family. She regroup :
- Vitamins (vitamins A, C, D, E, K and those of group B from B1 to B12);
- Minerals which are macroelements (magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine and sulfur) and trace elements (selenium, iodine, zinc, chromium, iron, fluorine, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and vanadium);
- Antioxidants including carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin) and polyphenols (flavonoids, etc.);
- Essential fatty acids (omega 3);
- Digestive enzymes (persin, lipase, amylase, lactase, bromelain and papain in particular);
- Probiotics.
These nutrients essential to our metabolism are present in foods (fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, meat, fish, eggs, etc.). “But our modern diet can no longer provide all our nutrient needs: depleted and polluted soils, processed foods…”specifies Amalia Boxberger. Not to mention the body which itself absorbs the nutrients provided less well: chronic stress, unbalanced microbiota, hormonal dysfunctions… Finally, an unbalanced diet, being an athlete, a smoker, a senior… can be aggravating factors that require a special rebalancing”. As a result, our body may present deficits or even deficiencies in these vital nutrients. As a result, the body functions less well which can expose us to various health problems, such as immunity imbalances, fatigue, digestive system disorders, mood disturbances or even the development of pathologies. To remedy this, this is where micronutrition comes in…
How does micronutrition work?
Definition of micronutrition
Micronutrition is based on the principle that, as each individual has a unique metabolism, they require specific needs for vitamins, minerals, etc. that are specific to them. Different factors must be taken into account: age, lifestyle, digestive capacities, practice of physical activity, personal and family health history, current disturbances (inflammation, taking medications, infections …), exposure to stress, diet… During life, the body also changes, which causes its nutritional and energy needs to evolve.
In practice
In order to determine what diet is best suited to an individual’s metabolism, the micronutrition practitioner takes an interest in the person’s state of health as well as their lifestyle. He will thus be able to propose a dietary plan, sometimes associated with taking a personalized supplement. The program aims to eliminate empty calories, such as ultra-processed foods, from the common diet, to favor more natural and raw foods (vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils, etc.). The goal is to establish a dietary pattern that corrects the current disorders encountered and establishes preventive nutrition that ensures good health in the long term (prevention of the risk of cancer, fight against aging, etc.).
Who should we consult and how does a micronutrition consultation take place?
The micronutrition expert is a micronutritionist. “He can be a doctor, but also an osteopath, naturopath, dietician, sports coach… and trained in micronutrition., specifies Amalia Boxberger. During the micronutrition consultation, this health expert searches for the origin of the medical problems encountered by the patient. For this, it relies on different diagnostic tools
The food questionnaire
“For a whole week, the patient must scrupulously note everything he eats (during meals and outside) as well as the quantity of portions.says our expert.
The Medical Health Questionnaire (MSQ)
The questions are organized to detect disturbances in five main areas: cellular protection, cellular communication, digestive interface, brain function and complications of cardiometabolic function.
The DNS questionnaire (Dopamine-Noradremaline-Serotonin)
It makes it possible to measure the impact of diet on these 3 neurotransmitters and to be able to assess their roles in possible health problems, such as sleep disorders, depression or cognitive disorders (concentration, memorization, etc.).
To know : “Not all micronutritionists go through questionnaires, specifies Amalia Boxberger. There are many, sometimes even offered directly by food supplement laboratories. Sometimes it is the practitioner who creates his own..
The information obtained thanks to these questionnaires can be supplemented by carrying out biological assessments allowing in particular to know the levels of minerals and vitamins in order to evaluate the deficits, the dosage of inflammatory markers, etc. This involves identifying imbalances and deficiencies to fill, before adapting your diet and potentially offering you food supplements if necessary.
What are the micronutrition treatments?
The correction strategy is based on two axes: dietary readjustment and taking, if necessary, specific food supplements. If the dietary rebalancing can be followed for life, the supplementation will be taken in courses of a few months, renewable if necessary.
What are the benefits of micronutrition?
Micronutrition can have an impact in different areas. She intervenes in:
- Digestive functioning disorders: digestive comfort, transit disorders, good assimilation of micronutrients and macronutrients, intestinal permeability problems, etc.
- Strengthening immune defenses;
- Allergies and intolerances;
- Chronic fatigue;
- Sleep disorders;
- Eating disorders (TCA);
- Smoking cessation;
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases (diabetes);
- Weight loss ;
- The development of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s);
- Support for athletes and sports performances;
- Hormonal disorders: endometriosis, PCOS, premenstrual syndrome, fertility problems, etc.
Does micronutrition make you lose weight?
The primary goal of micronutrition is not to lose weight. However, by helping to rebalance a dysfunctional diet, it helps, in turn, to eliminate excess pounds. “In addition, by balancing nutrient intake, it prevents deficiencies that could cause food cravings.adds our expert.
Who is micronutrition for?
Since it is personalized, it is aimed at everyone: adults, children, seniors, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, sick or convalescent people, etc.
What are the benefits of micronutrition?
This concept allows:
- Personalized care adapted to the individual’s unique needs;
- A dietary rebalancing without restriction and therefore without frustration;
- Better coverage of nutrient needs;
- Improved quality of life through the treatment of sleep disorders, fatigue, stress and irritability, health problems, etc.
What are the disadvantages of micronutrition?
Despite all the benefits of this practice, there is a downside:
- You have to dedicate yourself to it: dietary rebalancing must be followed over the long term in order to benefit from its health and fitness benefits;
- Filling out the questionnaires and carrying out the biological assessment can seem daunting;
- Food supplements are not reimbursed by Social Security and some can be expensive.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
How to do micronutrition and what training should I follow to become a micronutritionist?
It is necessary to follow specific training. It is aimed at various health professionals such as general practitioners or specialists, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, midwives, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, osteopaths. .. Different organizations offer training, in person or online, in particular the European Institute of Dietetics and Micronutrition.
