Our worldwide community is facing an alarming “hidden hunger” that affects more than two-thirds of people, resulting in deficiencies in crucial nutrients and potentially causing severe health problems. Researchers have uncovered a troubling truth about global malnutrition: billions of people are not getting enough of several essential vitamins and minerals in their diets.
The study, published in The Lancet Global Health, offers the first extensive global estimates of inadequate micronutrient consumption. Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, are essential for proper bodily functions, immune system health, and overall well-being. Even minor deficiencies can significantly impact health, productivity, and quality of life.
Experts from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of California-Santa Barbara evaluated dietary data from 185 countries, covering 99.3% of the global population. What they found was shocking!
- Over 5 billion people don’t get enough iodine, vitamin E, or calcium in their diets.
- Almost 5 billion people have inadequate iron intake.
- More than 4 billion people lack sufficient levels of riboflavin, folate, and vitamin C.
Iron deficiency, the most common cause of anemia, is particularly concerning as it can lead to fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function.
“These results are alarming,” says Ty Beal, senior technical specialist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, in a media release. “Most people—even more than previously thought, across all regions and countries of all incomes—are not consuming enough of multiple essential micronutrients. These gaps compromise health outcomes and limit human potential on a global scale.”
The study found fascinating patterns in nutrient deficiencies between men and women. Women had higher rates of inadequate intake of iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. Men, however, were more likely to lack magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin.
These deficiencies can have wide-ranging consequences. Iodine is vital for thyroid function and brain development, especially for babies in utero and young children. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, safeguarding cells from damage. Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, while iron is necessary for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
The researchers hope to raise awareness among policymakers, health organizations, and individuals about addressing nutritional gaps. The authors stress that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach won’t work and call for customized strategies. They emphasized the need for custom-tailored interventions targeting specific populations and regions. Enriching staple foods, promoting diverse diets, and recommending supplements could be potential solutions.
We may not be able to solve the global micronutrient problems, but we can help you. Start with our aptly named Daily Essentials. From there, getting a simple micronutrient blood panel test can identify areas that need more attention. Whatever you’re missing, we probably have a specialized product to help!
And don’t forget: If you want to translate all of those numbers into actions, Joyce Gibb (MS, CRNP) can help! Just call our office (412) 826-9500 and ask for Terri!
Sources:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(24)00276-6/fulltext
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/micronutrients-have-major-impact-on-health
https://www.healthline.com/health/iodine-uses
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-e/art-20364144
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248958
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228
https://www.verywellhealth.com/riboflavin-benefits-deficiency-and-more-7508278
https://www.healthline.com/health/folate-deficiency
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366