In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ty Beal—global nutrition researcher and Senior Technical Specialist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)—to uncover the hidden epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. From food access and affordability to ultra-processed diets and nutrient bioavailability, we explore how modern food systems are failing billions and what needs to change to truly make the world healthier.
We cover:
- Why 3 billion people can’t afford a healthy diet—and how that affects nutrient status
- The most common global and U.S. micronutrient deficiencies (and why they’re often overlooked)
- Why women and children are especially vulnerable during pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence
- The role of ultra-processed foods in displacing nutrient-rich options
- How bioavailability, anti-nutrients, and the “food matrix” impact your real nutrient intake
- Why plant-based diets aren’t always safer—and the hidden risks of nutrient shortfalls
- The science behind biofortification, food system reform, and why animal-source foods stil matter
- What the U.S. gets wrong about food guidelines, global trade, and nutritional equity
Whether you care about maternal health, child development, or just making better nutrition decisions, this is a vital conversation about nutrient density, food justice, and global health.
Who is Dr. Ty Beal?
Dr. Ty Beal is a Senior Technical Specialist and global nutrition scientist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) where he leads research on global food systems, nutrient inadequacy, and diet quality. His work bridges science and policy to help address the world’s most pressing nutrition challenges—especially among vulnerable populations. He’s published extensively on micronutrient gaps, ultra-processed foods, and global dietary patterns, and is one of the most cited voices on nutrition equity in developing nations.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Why global food systems are broken—and why it matters in the U.S. too
02:06 – 3 billion people can’t afford a healthy diet: what that really means
05:16 – The most common micronutrient deficiencies in women and children
09:10 – How early nutrient gaps impact growth, cognition, and lifelong health
13:28 – The hidden risks of plant-based diets for nutrient shortfalls
17:35 – Food matrix vs. supplements: why real food still matters most
20:47 – How ultra-processed foods displace nutrient-dense options
29:42 – Are Americans really eating too much meat? The data says otherwise
36:00 – What’s wrong with global dietary guidelines and who sets them
44:06 – How to produce nutrient-dense food without harming ecosystems
50:00 – Biofortification: breeding crops to fight nutrient deficiencies
52:15 – What balance of plant and animal foods actually supports health
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