Re: Could a human survive on a diet of supplements, without normal meals?

Hello Callen.  Its an interesting question and one would initially think 
surviving on supplements would not be possible.  The requirement for life 
is provided by nutrients, including water of course.  In fact, water is 
the most important 'nutrient.' Normally these nutrients are derived from 
food.  Today however, we can derive them from supplements courtesy of the 
multibillion dollar supplement industry.  However pill form is not always 
practical due to our high energy demands and would require either too many 
such pills or too large a pill to swallow.  The industry has seen to 
this 'problem' by supplying us with myriad other convenient forms.  
Conceivably one could pop multi-vitamin/mineral pills and slug down 
specially formulated liquid energy concoctions followed by a chaser 
protein shake, with capsules containing oils.  Why not some sugar-based 
liquids for that burst of quick energy and don't forget your chewables, 
lozenges and tinctures?  Seriously though, who would want to live like 
that?  Why not get phytochemicals from plant food than consume the 
dehydrated version, or the fiber from real fruits, vegetables and whole 
grains than swallow a glass full of psyllium husks?
There are several things wrong with this scenario.  The main thing we 
sacrifice here is the enjoyment and pleasure we derive from eating real 
food.  The other big thing is that food provides satiety making it less 
likely to overdose on nutrients.  The chemicals in food interact to 
provide energy, helps in transport of nutrients and works synergetically.  
There are thousands of chemicals present in food (many still undiscovered) 
that may help fend off diseases which would be lacking in supplements.  
Isolating nutrients like amino acids or antioxidants could create 
imbalances in that group of nutrients.  A life on supplements could create 
other problems.  Many are rich in glucose which can raise blood sugar 
levels too quickly which are especially bad for diabetics or those prone 
to diabetes.  Protein supplementation can adversely affect those with 
underlying liver or kidney disease.  Supplements can also crosslink 
negatively with prescription drugs.  
The supplement industry is basically self regulating without the stringent 
standards set for the food industry.  On the other hand they are very 
useful in 3rd world countries where malnutrition is rampant and food is 
not plentiful.  Here it can be a lifesaver!  In our society it can be 
helpful as a sort of insurance to help boost our nutritional status in 
fighting off disease.
In the end supplements are just that.  They are intended to complement 
ones diet, not to replace it.
A good book to learn more about supplements is 'The Healing Power of 
Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs' by Reader's Digest.
Hope that helps.  Peter Bosani.