(NaturalHealth365)  Most people know that eating too much sugar can cause high blood glucose, insulin spikes, and obesity.  It can also elevate the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.  However, excess glucose can also lead to nutrient deficiencies that impact the levels of vitamins and minerals in your cells, way before a disease develops.

Sugar does this by depleting and reducing the absorption of key vitamins and minerals, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.  The following vitamins and minerals are the most at risk for depletion from the presence of too much glucose in the body.

Sugar vs. vitamin C: A precarious balance

The relationship between sugar and vitamin C unveils a precarious balance within our bodies.  As humans, we lack the ability to produce vitamin C, making it crucial to obtain this essential nutrient from external sources.  However, excessive sugar consumption disrupts vitamin C absorption, undermining its availability and functionality.  This interference can have profound consequences for our immune system and tissue repair processes.

Vitamin C plays a vital role in strengthening our immune responses, making its deficiency a concerning issue.  Additionally, the competition between sugar and vitamin C affects tissue repair and regeneration.  Without adequate vitamin C, the synthesis of collagen, a critical protein for tissue integrity, is hindered.  This leads to a lack of cellular integrity, delayed wound healing, compromised recovery from injuries and, most importantly, an increased risk of cancer cell growth.

Magnesium gets depleted by eating too much sugar

Magnesium, a vital mineral, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of nearly every organ in our body.  Its functions include regulating nerve and muscle activity, contributing to protein synthesis and DNA formation, promoting bone health, and regulating blood sugar levels.  Its significance in various bodily processes underscores the importance of maintaining adequate magnesium levels.

However, the presence of high blood glucose and increased insulin levels can pose a double threat to magnesium retention.  Elevated blood sugar and insulin prompt the kidneys to excrete more magnesium, leading to its depletion from the body’s reserves.

Vitamin D deficiency risk increases with sugar consumption

Vitamin D deficiency is common in regions with limited sunlight exposure, but sugar consumption can further complicate the issue.  The presence of sugar can intensify vitamin D deficiency by stimulating the production of an enzyme involved in its synthesis.

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with various health concerns, including inflammation, increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune conditions, dementia, and certain types of cancer.

Calcium uptake is inhibited by eating sugar

As you know, calcium plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including maintaining bone health, aiding blood coagulation, and facilitating nerve and muscle contractions.  However, the absorption of calcium relies on vitamin D.  Here comes the indirect effect of sugar: it can suppress the body’s calcium intake by interfering with vitamin D metabolism and absorption.

Furthermore, glucose, a type of sugar, has been associated with increased calcium excretion through its effects on hormonal regulation and the inhibition of calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.  This mechanism further exacerbates the impact of sugar on calcium balance within the body.  As a result, maintaining a balanced sugar intake and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for promoting optimal calcium absorption.

Sugar consumption drains the body of chromium

Chromium, a trace mineral, plays a crucial role in blood glucose regulation and macronutrient metabolism.  Although the body requires only small amounts of chromium, excessive sugar consumption can lead to a deficiency by triggering its excretion from the body.

A chromium deficiency can have significant implications for blood glucose control and glucose tolerance, as chromium is essential for insulin binding.  When chromium levels are inadequate, higher blood glucose levels and poor glucose tolerance may occur.

So what’s the bottom line?  While many people are already aware of the negative health effects of eating too many sweets, its impact on nutrient deficiencies and the suppression of vital vitamins and minerals in the body may not be widely recognized.  This serves as an additional incentive to opt for healthier choices, such as organic berries and other fruits when cravings for sweets arise.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Jn.nutrition.org
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov