Soil Fertility Now vs. 100 Years Ago (Plus 8 Ways It's Hurting Your Health)

Because depleted soil has lower nutrient levels and higher levels of toxins, it could lead to negative health impacts in the long run. Here are some of the potential risks…

1. Possible Protein Deficiency

In an analysis of 43 garden crops, protein in crops decreased at a median of 6% from 1920 to 2001 (5). In corn, protein content declined a whopping 30 to 50% (6). As many as one billion people around the world aren’t able to get enough daily protein. In Central Africa and South Asia, it’s predicted that as many as 30% of children aren’t getting enough (7, 8). Without enough protein, you may experience a weakened immune system, loss of muscle mass, an increased risk of osteoporosis fractures, fatigue, and irritability (9, 10, 11, 12, 13).

2. Too Much Starch

From 1920 to 2001, starch content in corn—the United States’ largest crop—notably increased (14, 15). Starch is the most commonly eaten type of carbohydrate (the other two types are fiber and sugar). Starches are fine in moderation, especially when they take the form of potatoes or sweet potatoes. But unfortunately, many starches today are highly refined, which can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Refined starches may cause a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain (16, 17, 18, 19).

3. Not Enough Trace Minerals

Over the last few decades, vegetable crops have had lower levels of trace minerals like manganese, zinc, and copper (20). The body needs trace minerals in small amounts in order to function in a healthy manner (21). Manganese plays a role in brain and nervous system function (22). Copper also helps with brain and nervous system function, while playing a role in connective tissue formation (23). Zinc is vital to immunity, skin health, and protection against inflammation (24, 25). While you don’t need much of these trace minerals, it’s incredibly important to get enough to keep your body functioning smoothly (26).

4. Increased Exposure to Toxic Minerals like Lead

Many soil samples now include more toxic materials, including aluminum, cadmium, and lead (27).

Day-to-day low-level exposure to aluminum through cooking and food is common. It’s generally considered safe, but higher levels of aluminum exposure come with health concerns (28). Experts believe that excess aluminum exposure may be a potential factor in developing Alzheimer’s disease, though more research is needed to know for sure (29, 30, 31). Some researchers also believe that aluminum may be a risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease (32, 33).

As for cadmium, low levels of this heavy metal are found in many foods—especially shellfish, kidney meats, and liver. It can also be found in air, water, and cigarette smoke. Exposure to small amounts over time may create a build-up of cadmium in the kidneys. Ongoing cadmium exposure has been linked to kidney disease, bone fragility, lung damage, and increased risk of cancer (34, 35).

Lead, the most infamous of these minerals, can be harmful even in small doses, especially for kids. Lead can damage brain development, the kidneys, and the nervous system (36, 37, 38).

5. Not Enough Magnesium

In recent decades, magnesium levels in wheat and many vegetables have decreased by up to 25% (39). Magnesium is a powerful mineral that helps the body thrive by boosting energy and encouraging healthy muscle and nerve function. Chronically low levels of magnesium can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis (40, 41).

6. Lower Levels of Vitamin C

From 1950 to 1999, many garden crops saw a decrease in vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) (5). If you’re not getting enough vitamin C, your immune system could become weaker and your risk of infection could increase (42).

7. Not Enough Phosphorus

Crops have also seen a decrease in phosphorus over the last few decades (43). This mineral teams up with calcium to play a role in building your bones. It also helps your body produce energy (44). When your body is short on phosphorus, you may experience bone pain, bone weakness, anxiety, fatigue, and joint stiffness (45, 46).

8. Possible Iron Deficiency

Iron levels have decreased in many crops as well (5). This nutrient is important to blood health, helping to transport oxygen and carry red blood cells from your lungs to other parts of the body (47). If you don’t get enough iron, you might find yourself experiencing headaches, dizziness, anemia, and lower levels of energy (48).