The Organic Consumers Association cites several other studies with similar findings: A Kushi Institute analysis of nutrient data from 1975 to 1997 found that average calcium levels in 12 fresh vegetables dropped 27 percent; iron levels 37 percent; vitamin A levels 21 percent, and vitamin C levels 30 percent. A similar study of British nutrient data from 1930 to 1980, published in the British Food Journal,found that in 20 vegetables the average calcium content had declined 19 percent; iron 22 percent; and potassium 14 percent. Yet another study concluded that one would have to eat eight oranges today to derive the same amount of Vitamin A as our grandparents would have gotten from one.
I didn’t consult their methodology, but these figures aren’t too out of alignment. However, take with a grain of salt. Sure, maybe Vitamin A has decreased in oranges. They have 2 out of a recommended 900 mcg of it, you were not going to eat 450 oranges to hit your vitamin A goals for the day.
Now I agree that eating 450 oranges is unlikely, however if iron is down 22% then eating another 30% more green leafy veg to cover it may not be something people are even aware of however unlikely it is that they could consume that much anyway. Hence the drastic numbers from the article.
It sounds like even “healthy eating” people could be deficient.
Scientific American - Dirt Poor: Have Fruits and Vegetables Become Less Nutritious?
I didn’t consult their methodology, but these figures aren’t too out of alignment. However, take with a grain of salt. Sure, maybe Vitamin A has decreased in oranges. They have 2 out of a recommended 900 mcg of it, you were not going to eat 450 oranges to hit your vitamin A goals for the day.
This is interesting, thanks!
Now I agree that eating 450 oranges is unlikely, however if iron is down 22% then eating another 30% more green leafy veg to cover it may not be something people are even aware of however unlikely it is that they could consume that much anyway. Hence the drastic numbers from the article.
It sounds like even “healthy eating” people could be deficient.