Micronutrients and food choice
A case of ‘nutritional wisdom’ in humans
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11357448 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jeffrey M Brunstrom (0000-0003-4657-7799, University of Bristol, corresponding author), Mark Schatzker (Yale University) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 174 |
| Pages | 106055 |
| Publication date | 2022-07-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Appetite (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0195-6663 • E-ISSN: 1095-8304 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106055 |
| PMID | 35447161 |
| OpenAlex | W4223931650 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 36 |
Many reports show that non-human animals have the ability to select foods based on their micronutrient composition. However, it is unclear whether humans also have this ability, and researchers have lacked appropriate methods to investigate this question. In response to this challenge, we developed an approach that derives evidence from patterns of choices across a range of food images. In two studies (Study 1, N = 45; Study 2, N = 83) adults selected one of two pairs of fruits and vegetables in a series of trials (N = 210). Consistent with variety seeking, they preferred 'varied' over 'monotonous' pairs (same-food pairs were less attractive). However, and even after controlling for explicit nutritional knowledge (Study 2) and food energy density (Study 1 and 2), we observed a significant tendency to select pairings that offered: i) greater total micronutrient intake and ii) greater 'micronutrient complementarity' (MC), i.e., a broader range of micronutrients. In a separate analysis, a similar pattern was observed in two-component meals (e.g., steak and fries) drawn from a large national nutrition survey in the UK (1086 records). Specifically, the MC of these meals was greater than would be predicted by chance (p 100% daily recommended amount) then this occurred less often than by chance (p < .0001), i.e., 'micronutrient redundancy' was avoided. Together, this work provides new evidence that micronutrient composition influences food choice (a form of 'nutritional wisdom') and it raises questions about whether nutritional requirements are otherwise met through dietary 'variety seeking'. In turn, it also exposes the potential for a complexity in human dietary decision making that has not been recognised previously
Agriculture · Biology · Dietary diversity · Environmental health · Food choice · Food composition data · Food security · Meal · Micronutrient · Pathology · Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Medicine · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Ecology · Food Science
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| Highly cited | No |
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