Dr. Michael Wald, DC, Board Certified Nutritionist MS

In the context of forensic science and law enforcement, “toe tagged” refers to the practice of attaching a tag to the toe of a deceased person in order to provide identification. This tag typically contains information such as the individual’s name, case number, and other pertinent details. The process of toe tagging is a crucial step in the handling of deceased individuals, particularly in situations involving criminal investigations, mass casualties, or unidentified bodies. It allows for accurate identification, documentation, and tracking of the deceased person throughout the investigative and legal processes.

The term “toe tagged” is derived from the physical act of attaching a tag to the toe of the deceased, which serves as a form of temporary identification until more formal procedures can be carried out. This practice is commonly employed in morgues, medical examiner’s offices, and forensic facilities where deceased individuals are processed and examined.

Top 15 Causes of Death in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics, the top 15 causes of death in the United States are as follows, along with their respective statistics and ways to avoid these causes of death.

1. Heart Disease

• Statistic: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 655,000 deaths per year.
• Avoidance: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Cancer

• Statistic: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 599,000 deaths per year.
• Avoidance: Early detection, regular screenings, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of cancer.

3. COVID-19

• Statistic: COVID-19 has become a significant cause of death in the United States, with over 850,000 deaths as of October 2021.
• Avoidance: Vaccination, wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of COVID-19.

4. Unintentional Injuries

• Statistic: Unintentional injuries, such as car accidents and falls, cause approximately 169,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Wearing seatbelts, using helmets, and practicing safety precautions can help reduce the risk of unintentional injuries.

5. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

• Statistic: Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cause approximately 150,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic conditions can help reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.

6. Stroke

• Statistic: Strokes cause approximately 146,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing blood pressure can help reduce the risk of stroke.

7. Alzheimer’s Disease

• Statistic: Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 121,000 deaths per year.
• Avoidance: Early detection, regular screenings, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Diabetes

• Statistic: Diabetes causes approximately 84,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of diabetes.

9. Influenza and Pneumonia

• Statistic: Influenza and pneumonia cause approximately 60,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Vaccination, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a healthy immune system can help reduce the risk of influenza and pneumonia.

10. Kidney Disease

• Statistic: Kidney disease causes approximately 50,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing chronic conditions can help reduce the risk of kidney disease.

11. Suicide

• Statistic: Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 48,000 deaths per year.
• Avoidance: Recognizing and addressing mental health issues, reducing access to lethal means, and supporting those in need can help reduce the risk of suicide.

12. Homicide

• Statistic: Homicide causes approximately 19,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Promoting community safety, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting mental health services can help reduce the risk of homicide.

13. Transportation Accidents

• Statistic: Transportation accidents, such as car and airplane crashes, cause approximately 14,000 deaths per year in the United States.
• Avoidance: Practicing safe driving habits, wearing seatbelts, and maintaining vehicles can help reduce the risk of transportation accidents.

14. Firearms

• Statistic: Firearms are the 14th leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 14,000 deaths per year.
• Avoidance: Supporting gun control legislation, promoting responsible gun ownership, and investing in mental health services can help reduce the risk of firearm-related deaths.
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Top 20 Nutritional Deficiencies in the United States, Their Health Consequences, and Associated Diseases

1. Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. It can lead to anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), iron deficiency anemia affects around 9% of the U.S. population.
2. Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the U.S., affecting around 41.6% of the population, as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). It can lead to osteomalacia (softening of bones) in adults and rickets in children, increasing the risk of bone fractures and other bone-related health issues.
3. Calcium Deficiency: Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and half of women over 50 will break a bone due to the condition.
4. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive decline. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 3.2% of adults in the U.S. have a borderline or deficient vitamin B12 level.
5. Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and seizures. The NIH reports that around 12% of the U.S. population may have inadequate magnesium intake.
6. Potassium Deficiency: Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heartbeat. The CDC estimates that around 98% of Americans consume more sodium than potassium, which can contribute to potassium deficiency.
7. Zinc Deficiency: Zinc deficiency can impair immune function, cause growth retardation, and lead to delayed wound healing. The NIH estimates that around 10-15% of the U.S. population may have inadequate zinc intake.
8. Iodine Deficiency: Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, goiter, and developmental issues in children, including intellectual disabilities. The CDC reports that iodine deficiency affects around 13% of the U.S. population.
9. Selenium Deficiency: Selenium deficiency can impair immune function and increase the risk of certain cancers. The NIH estimates that around 10-15% of the U.S. population may have inadequate selenium intake.
10. Folate Deficiency: Folate deficiency can cause anemia and neural tube defects in developing fetuses. The CDC reports that around 50% of pregnant women in the U.S. do not consume adequate folate.
11. Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to vision problems, impaired immune function, and increased risk of infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 19 million preschool-aged children globally have vitamin A deficiency.
12. Vitamin C Deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which leads to weakened connective tissues, anemia, and impaired wound healing. The NIH estimates that around 10% of the U.S. population may have inadequate vitamin C intake.
13. Vitamin E Deficiency: Vitamin E deficiency can impair immune function and cause nerve damage. The NIH estimates that around 10-15% of the U.S. population may have inadequate vitamin E intake.
14. Fiber Deficiency: Fiber deficiency can lead to constipation, hemorrhoids, and an increased risk of colon cancer. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend that adults consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day, but most Americans consume less than half of that amount.
15. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency: Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can contribute to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and depression. The NIH estimates that around 90% of Americans do not meet the recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
16. Protein Deficiency: Protein deficiency can cause muscle wasting, impaired immune function, and delayed wound healing. The NIH estimates that around 10% of the U.S. population may have inadequate protein intake.
17. Choline Deficiency: Choline deficiency can cause liver damage, impaired brain development, and increased risk of neural tube defects. The NIH estimates that around 90% of pregnant women in the U.S. do not meet the recommended choline intake.
18. Copper Deficiency: Copper deficiency can cause anemia, impaired immune function, and connective tissue disorders. The NIH estimates that around 10-15% of the U.S. population may have inadequate copper intake.
19. Manganese Deficiency: Manganese deficiency can impair bone formation, cause fatigue, and affect brain function. The NIH estimates that around 10-15% of the U.S. population may have inadequate manganese intake.
20. Chromium Deficiency: Chromium deficiency can cause insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The NIH estimates that around 10-15% of the U.S. population may have inadequate chromium intake.

These nutritional deficiencies can lead to various health consequences, including increased mortality and morbidity rates. Ensuring a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing these deficiencies and associated diseases.

How to Correct Nutritional Deficiencies with Diet and Nutritional Supplements

1. Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure, fatty fish, and fortified foods; supplements may be necessary for those with limited sun exposure.
2. Iron: Red meat, poultry, beans, and fortified cereals; iron supplements may be needed for those with low iron levels.
3. Magnesium: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables; magnesium supplements can help those with low magnesium levels.
4. Calcium: Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods; calcium supplements can be useful for those with low calcium intake.
5. Vitamin B12: Animal products, fortified cereals, and nutritional yeast; B12 supplements may be needed for vegetarians and older adults.
6. Potassium: Bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens; potassium supplements can help those with low potassium levels.
7. Iodine: Iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products; iodine supplements can be useful for those with iodine deficiency.
8. Zinc: Oysters, beef, and fortified cereals; zinc supplements can help those with low zinc levels.
9. Selenium: Brazil nuts, seafood, and whole grains; selenium supplements can be useful for those with low selenium levels.
10. Vitamin A: Liver, sweet potatoes, and carrots; vitamin A supplements can help those with low vitamin A levels.
11. Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals; vitamin E supplements can help those with low vitamin E levels.
12. Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries; vitamin C supplements can help those with low vitamin C levels.
13. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts; omega-3 supplements can help those with low omega-3 levels.
14. Folic Acid: Legumes, fortified cereals, and leafy greens; folic acid supplements can help those with low folic acid levels.
15. Protein: Animal products, legumes, and nuts; protein supplements can help those with low protein intake, such as athletes or vegetarians.

Specific Laboratory Tests for Each Deficiency and Blood Normal Ranges

1. Vitamin D: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) test, normal range: 20-50 ng/mL.
2. Iron: Serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, normal ranges vary depending on age and gender.
3. Magnesium: Serum magnesium, normal range: 1.5-2.5 mg/dL.
4. Calcium: Total calcium, normal range: 8.5-10.2 mg/dL.
5. Vitamin B12: Serum B12, normal range: 200-900 pg/mL.
6. Potassium: Serum potassium, normal range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.
7. Iodine: Serum iodine, normal range: 50-100 mcg/L.
8. Zinc: Serum zinc, normal range: 70-120 ug/dL.
9. Selenium: Serum selenium, normal range: 50-150 ng/mL.
10. Vitamin A: Retinol binding protein (RBP), normal range: 1.0-4.5 mg/dL.
11. Vitamin E: Alpha-tocopherol, normal range: 7-20 mg/L.
12. Vitamin C: Serum ascorbic acid, normal range: 0.7-1.8 mg/dL.
13. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Erythrocyte n-3 PUFA, normal range: 4-8%.
14. Folic Acid: Serum folate, normal range: 2.7-17.3 ng/mL.
15. Protein: Albumin, normal range: 3.5-5.0 g/dL.