The triage theory

The triage theory is the theory by which the body prioritizes using nutrients.

The body only uses certain Amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to power every single process within the body.

For example, the same amino acids used to build muscle are also used in the process of creating hormones and neurotransmitters.

The triage theory suggests that the body will prioritize the processes that ensure short-term survival at the expense of the processes that may increase longevity and lifespan. For example, we will use the amino acids first for producing the neurotransmitters required to function, then we will use them to build muscle if we have enough left over (and a reason to increase muscle mass).

One of the big issues with this is that long-term health deficiencies are often silent. Therefore we may be in good health now, but minor micronutrient deficiencies will begin to manifest large issues in the future. For example, if we begin to have low calcium levels in our blood, we will pull calcium out of our bones to restore calcium homeostasis. This is not something we will immediately notice, but in the long run can lead to frailty, and increase the risk of bone fractures and breaks as we age. Many other nutrient deficiencies manifest this way. We will not immediately get scurvy if we do not have the optimal amount of vitamin C, however our immune system may begin to silently weaken without us noticing until we are unable to fight off a virus or flu. The same is true with Vitamin D. We may not realize we have a vitamin D deficiency until we get sick. The same also is true with iron. We may not notice an iron deficiency until symptoms of anemia begin to become evident. At this point, we have likely had an iron deficiency for a prolonged period of time, but the body has been prioritizing the short-term survival processes, and we could not FEEL the iron deficiency manifesting silently in the background.

The triage theory is one of the reasons that, at least when it comes to vitamins, minerals, Amino acids, and certain fatty acids, I personally do my very best to eat these items almost in an attempt to ensure I am eating almost to excess.

At least in terms of the compounds without a severe toxicity risk.

These include an abundance and diverse array of amino amino acids, and water soluble nutrients such as vitamin C, electrolytes, B vitamins, and other water soluble nutrients. My goal is to ensure nutritional adequacy is met in the short-term, and provide enough excess so acute deficiencies do not manifest seemingly out of nowhere in the future!

One great way to discern your nutritional status is through blood tests and other biomarkers that could indicate the levels of minerals, vitamins, and other molecules inside of your body. This is why I find testing your nutritional status one of the most important things you can do for your health. Testing your nutritional status is one of the only ways to prevent the triage theory from unknowingly harming your long-term health.

I hope this was helpful, and motivates you to eat more micronutrients and get some blood work