Nutritional Deficiencies Of A High Calorie Diet

Nutritional deficiencies from a high calorie diet can increase your risk of disease. Calories are a measurement of energy foods provide to your body. Cancer patients require a high-calorie diet to prevent weight loss, yet can experience nutritional deficiencies.Fast foods are high in calories and deficient in micronutrients, according to research published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in April 2004.

Vitamins and Minerals

High calorie diets can include processed and fast foods that contain refined grains with added sweeteners, such as sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Eating more refined grains and less whole grains increases your risk of deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Research by scientists at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge and published in "Public Health Nutrition" in February 2011 found that lower intake of whole grains among children and adolescents is associated with higher intakes of sugar and lower intakes of vitamin B-6, folate, magnesium and iron and phosphorous.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances in foods that protect your cells from harmful chemicals and toxins, such as free radicals, that can accelerate aging and increase your risk of cancer. Processed and fast foods that are high in calories are often not served with fruits or vegetables, foods that are the best sources of antioxidants. Low blood levels of antioxidants are associated with more severe asthma, according to research by scientists at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, in Nedlands Australia and published in the "European Respiratory Journal" in August 2005.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is involved with the synthesis of connective tissue, such as tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and blood vessels and stimulation of the immune system. Vitamin C is found exclusively in plant-based foods, primarily in fruits and vegetables, the types of foods that are deficient in a high calorie diet comprised of processed and fast foods. A deficiency of vitamin C is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataracts and gout.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body, most of it in bones. Vitamin D is required for intestinal absorption of calcium. Calcium is found in dairy products, soy, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D is found in fish liver oil and fortified foods. You can also produce vitamin D after getting skin exposure to sunlight each day. A high calorie diet of processed and fast foods can be deficient in both calcium and vitamin D, leading to a calcium deficiency and increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.