More than half of the world’s population does not get enough of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E, according to a recent study by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UC Santa Barbara, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The research is the first to provide global estimates of deficiencies in 15 key micronutrients.
Micronutrient deficiencies, a common form of malnutrition, can lead to serious health problems. These include complications during pregnancy, blindness, and a higher risk of infection.
The study focused on whether people around the world are getting the right amounts of these nutrients, and tested men and women of different age groups.
The study used data from various sources, including the Global Dietary Database and the World Bank, to assess populations from 185 countries across 17 age groups, from newborns to those over 80 years old, and assessed intake of nutrients such as calcium, iodine, iron and vitamins.
Key findings include high levels of deficiencies in iodine (68% of the global population), vitamin E (67%), calcium (66%), and iron (65%). More than half of the global population is also deficient in riboflavin, folate, and vitamins C and B6.
Women were more likely to have low levels of iodine, iron and vitamin B12, while men were found to be deficient in nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A and zinc. Deficiency of these can lead to a variety of diseases, such as weak bones, anemia, skin disorders, a weak immune system and even depression. If you get sick often, it could be a sign of a weak immune system.
The study authors stressed the urgent need for public health interventions to improve global nutrition, especially for young people aged 10-30 years, who were particularly at risk for calcium deficiency in Asia and Africa. The researchers also acknowledged that more individual-level data are needed to improve future findings.
Common sources of food
Let’s examine common food sources that can provide this important element and note any deficiencies they may have.
