Micronutrients & recovery
Low-energy reporters (underreporters) systematically underestimate absolute micronutrient intakes (Fe, Ca, Vitamin C) by approximately 30% compared to non-underreporters, despite often reporting higher micronutrient densities.
If you are restricting calories significantly (underreporting energy intake), you are likely missing out on 30% of your absolute iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Focus on volume and absolute amounts of micronutrient-rich foods, not just their density, to avoid hidden deficiencies.
Absolute intakes of Fe, Ca and vitamin C (the three micronutrients addressed in all papers) were on average 30 % lower in low-energy reporters (LER) than that in non-LER and, although results were not consistent, there was a tendency for micronutrient density to be higher in LER.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review of 37 studies with consistent findings across multiple assessment methods.
Source
Misreporting of energy and micronutrient intake estimated by food records and 24 hour recalls, control and adjustment methods in practice
Kamila Poslusna et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2009
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