title: A re-evaluation of nutritional goals--not just deficiency counts.
abstract: There is considerable controversy about the soundness and relevance of so-called "megavitamin" therapy for various illnesses. In this article it is suggested that this disagreement is caused to a large extent by the use of two very different approaches to nutrition, which are referred to here as the "nutritional need" and "optimal intake" approaches. It is clear that a re-evaluation of the goals of nutrition is required, as nutritional recommendations deal mainly with the prevention of deficiency diseases and are not concerned with optimal levels of intake.
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology; D003677:Deficiency Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004032:Diet; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
chemical_list: D004798:Enzymes; D001205:Ascorbic Acid