Why Do Most Diets Fail? The Science of Nutrient Deficiencies | Ty Beal PhD

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. This episode is brought to you by: LMNT – Code DRLYON for a free LMNT Sample Pack! → https://drinklmnt.com/drlyon Timeline – Get 10% OFF Mitopure with code DRLYON → https://timelinenutrition.com/LYON Ned – Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://helloned.com Our Place – Get 10% off sitewide with code DRLYON → https://fromourplace.com/DRLYON Find Dr. Ty Beal at: GAIN Health - https://www.gainhealth.org/ty-beal Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3y5uHRIAAAAJ&hl=en X (Twitter) - https://x.com/TyRBeal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tybeal/ Find Me at: Instagram: @drgabriellelyon TikTok: @drgabriellelyon Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/ Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page Get my book – https://drgabriellelyon.com/forever-strong/ 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 Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.