A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that more than half of the global population is not consuming enough of seven essential nutrients critical for human health, including iron and calcium.
These nutrients are crucial for blood and bone health, yet over 5 billion people are not getting enough iodine, vitamin E, or calcium. Additionally, more than 4 billion people have inadequate intakes of iron, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin C. The research highlights the widespread nature of micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, impacting billions of individuals across different regions.
Dr. Christopher Free, a co-lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of this research, calling it a “big step forward” due to its comprehensive analysis across 34 age and sex groups in nearly every country.
It is the first study of its kind to offer global estimates of inadequate micronutrient intake based on established nutritional requirements. The study draws from the 2018 Global Dietary Database and provides new insights into how billions of people are missing key nutrients that are vital for overall health and well-being.
The researchers used a modeling approach that considered age- and sex-specific nutrient requirements to estimate the prevalence of inadequate intakes across 185 countries, covering 99.3% of the global population.
This methodology allowed the team to evaluate micronutrient intake deficiencies on a global scale for 15 specific nutrients. The study revealed that women are more likely than men to suffer from insufficient levels of iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, while men are more likely to have deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, thiamin, niacin, and several other vitamins.
Geographically, nutrient deficiencies vary, with India experiencing high rates of inadequate intake of riboflavin, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12, while calcium deficiencies are most pronounced in South and East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Pacific.
These patterns highlight the regional disparities in nutrient intake, with many populations at risk of poor health outcomes due to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals. The study’s co-author, Ty Beal, called the findings alarming, stressing that insufficient micronutrient intake is a global problem affecting all regions and income levels.
While the study offers new insights, it has limitations. For instance, it does not account for the consumption of supplements and fortified foods, which may help offset some of the identified deficiencies.
The authors acknowledged that certain nutrients, like iodine, may be overestimated due to the widespread consumption of iodized salt. However, supplementation and fortification for most other nutrients are uncommon on a global scale, leaving many people vulnerable to inadequate intake.
Nutrition experts like Dr. Lauren Sastre, who was not involved in the study, find the research valuable but note that potassium, an essential nutrient for blood pressure and heart health, was not included in the analysis due to a lack of global intake standards.
Sastre pointed out that many people consume too much sodium and not enough potassium, which could further complicate health outcomes worldwide. The researchers also noted the scarcity of comprehensive dietary data, which limits the ability to validate the modeled estimates.
Despite these challenges, the study provides important information that could guide public health initiatives aimed at improving nutrition. The findings emphasize the critical roles that micronutrients play in cellular function, immunity, and metabolism.
Dietitians and physicians can help individuals assess their nutrient intake and address any deficiencies through blood tests and dietary adjustments. Following recommendations such as the American Heart Association’s advice to “eat the rainbow” of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods could help improve overall nutrient intake.
To further highlight the importance of these seven key nutrients, the study detailed their roles in health and the foods rich in them. For example, calcium is essential for bone health and can be found in dairy products and fortified alternatives, while iron is vital for oxygen transport and can be sourced from meats, beans, and leafy greens.
By raising awareness of these nutrients and their food sources, the study encourages individuals and public health organizations to take steps toward addressing the global micronutrient gap.
