Are some commercial diets inadequate in essential nutrients?

BackgroundCommercial manufacturers have formulated diets to promote not only weight reduction but also to reduce risks of chronic diseases. The objective of this study is to determine if these formulations satisfy requirements for essential nutrients. MethodsWe have selected two established commercial diets, one low fat, high carbohydrate (diet 1) and the other, high fat, low carbohydrate (diet 2) and determined "representative meals" through use of recipes suggested in the manufacturers manuals. Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) software has been used to perform the most extensive nutrient analysis to date of these diets. Tables report macronutrients (energy), vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, essential lipids and nutrient-related components for a total of 62entries. ResultsDiet 1 satisfied requirements for 50 of these (81%) with only vitamin B12, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids not reaching recommended levels, while fiber and glycemic load exceeded suggested values. Diet 2 satisfied requirements for 46 of the components (71%) but had excess percentage of fat, especially saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol as well as decreased percentage of carbohydrate resulting in suboptimal intake of B-complex vitamins (B1, niacin and total folate) as well as fiber. ConclusionsNeither diet satisfied adequacy for all reported nutrients. However, based on nutrient content alone diet 1, if supplemented or modified, could be sustained over the long term whereas diet 2 should not be encouraged for long term adaptation