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.

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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
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