An analysis published in The Lancet Global Health journal found that iron, calcium, and folate are among the critical micronutrients that people in India, irrespective of age or gender, are not getting enough of. Based on diets devoid of supplements, this study is the first to quantify the inadequate intake of 15 micronutrients across 185 nations. There were Harvard University researchers on the multinational team.

Deficiency of Micronutrients Worldwide According to the report, more than five billion people, or about 70% of the world’s population, do not get enough calcium, vitamin E, or iodine. It was discovered that among nations and age brackets, a greater proportion of women than males did not get enough iodine, vitamin B12, or iron. In contrast, compared to women, more men had deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
More women than males were found to be ingesting inadequate amounts of iodine in India. However, compared to women, more men were found to consume insufficient amounts of magnesium and zinc. These results show that there are notable gender disparities in the nation’s nutrient deficits.
Age Group Suffering According to the research, those between the ages of 10 and 30 are particularly vulnerable to inadequate calcium intake. This problem is especially common in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The study estimated that 99.3% of the world’s population does not consume enough nutrients based on data from the Global Dietary Database.
Although earlier studies conducted over the previous ten years have
investigated micronutrient deficits, there are still a lot of unanswered questions for a wide range of nutrients and demographics. This study provides detailed estimates in an attempt to close some of those gaps.
Consequences for Public Health The researchers hypothesized that by identifying groups in need of nutritional modifications, their findings could assist public health professionals. Additionally, they noted that the results might overstate inadequacies in places where fortified foods and supplements are regularly eaten, as the study did not take these factors into account. The study’s conclusions are essential for creating focused nutritional treatments and policy. Resolving these inadequacies might enhance general health outcomes and lessen the prevalence of illnesses associated with undernutrition.
The significance of balanced diets full of important micronutrients is highlighted by this thorough investigation. It also emphasizes how important it is to keep gathering data and conducting research in order to comprehend and solve the world’s nutritional problems.
Regardless of age or location, micronutrient deficiencies are a common and sometimes disregarded worldwide health concern that impact millions of people. When the body is deficient in vital vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for optimum health and development, deficits like these occur. Important micronutrients include minerals like iron, zinc, iodine, and calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. Inadequate intake of these nutrients may result in various health issues. For example, iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia, which can lead to exhaustion, decreased immunity, and poor cognitive function. Similarly, vitamin A insufficiency can cause serious eye issues and increase susceptibility to infections. Iodine shortage can cause thyroid gland issues, such as goiter and developmental disorders, whereas zinc deficiency hinders wound healing and growth.
Poor dietary intake, which can be brought on by a lack of nutritional information, poverty, or restricted access to a variety of nutrient-dense foods, is frequently the primary cause of micronutrient deficiencies. Staple diets in many underdeveloped nations can depend mostly on a small number of crops that are deficient in important vitamins and minerals. Modern eating habits and processed foods can lead to insufficient consumption of micronutrients even in wealthier areas. A multifaceted strategy is needed to address these deficits, including boosting dietary diversity, strengthening food security, fortifying staple foods with vital nutrients, and supporting nutrition-focused public health efforts.
Global health and well-being can be enhanced and the effects of micronutrient deficiencies reduced by addressing the underlying causes and putting into practice practical solutions.