Refined carbohydrates - a cause of suboptimal nutrient intake.

During the refining of carbohydrate foods there is a sharp drop in the concentration of dietary fiber and of various vitamins and minerals. Estimates were made of the effect of refining on the total diet intake of fiber, selenium, folic acid, vitamins E and B6, choline, chromium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, sodium and potassium. The health implications of this are discussed and it is concluded that the losses are likely to be detrimental.