Most people in the world do not consume enough micronutrients: Study

Experts say a good, balanced diet will provide the necessary micronutrients. Photo used for representational purpose only

A recent article published The Lancet has estimated that the intake of 15 dietary micronutrients is inadequate by the Indian population. The article also points out that except for a small section, most people in the world do not consume essential micronutrients in adequate amounts.

Article, Global assessment of dietary micronutrient inadequacy: a modelling analysis, by Simone Passarelli and others It is estimated that over 5 billion people worldwide, representing 68% of the global population, do not consume enough iodine; 67% do not consume enough vitamin E; and 66% do not consume enough calcium. Over 4 billion people (65% of the population) do not consume enough iron; 55%, riboflavin; 54%, folate; and 53%, vitamin C.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The authors said the analysis provided the first global estimates of inadequate micronutrient intake, and public health practitioners could use the results to target populations most in need of intervention.

The article states, “In the same countries and age groups, estimates of inadequate intakes of iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium were higher in women than in men; and estimates of inadequate intakes of magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamine, and niacin were higher in men than in women.”

It found that globally, women consumed lower amounts of micronutrients than men, within the same country and age group, for iodine, vitamin B12, iron and selenium. Also, imbalances were higher among women than men in most regions for calcium, riboflavin, vitamin E and folate. In contrast, the prevalence of inadequate intake was consistently higher for men than for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamine and niacin, within the same country and age group.

The researchers hope that this analysis will not only improve understanding of global micronutrient inadequacies but also lead to effective public health interventions to address deficiencies.

How micronutrients are consumed is important

Reema Chandramohan, director of the Chennai-based Institute of Child Health, said, “This study will help us understand how important it is to have a balanced diet and eat healthy food if you are a vegetarian. Red meat is a better source of micronutrients than chicken or fish in a non-vegetarian diet…”

Dr Rema said the health conditions and causes of malnutrition still needed to be understood. “Earlier, we used to see children suffering from skin problems and other issues like diarrhoea. Now children are much healthier. The availability of good food is better than before. However, some children have inborn errors in metabolism. Most of the time, micronutrients are poorly absorbed from food, as we only need micronutrients in micrograms,” he said.

Dr. Rema further explained that the way people take micronutrient supplements has also caused problems. He said iron deficiency can be easily treated with oral therapy. He added, “If you are taking iron supplements, you should take it with juice. If it is taken with coffee or tea, it will slow down the healing process.”

Meenakshi Bajaj, a dietitian at the Tamil Nadu government’s Omandurar Multi Super Speciality Hospital, said the National Institute of Nutrition periodically issues recommended dietary guidelines for the population. “The key factors are – our needs; vulnerable populations, whose absorption may be low due to certain conditions despite high intake; and the nutritional value of the food we eat,” she said.

Be Traditional

He said that traditional food will provide us with the necessary micronutrients. Now is the time to avoid processed food and return to our roots. He said that the youth have moved away from traditional food and the new wave of infection is also not helping.

“You need to go ahead in the traditional way. For example, even today there is a practice in villages that people give donations. Ulundu Kali (Food made from black gram). It is rich in iron, vitamin B6 and protein. There are other sources like sesame seed shells, which are like tiny drops found in the ocean in small quantities,” he said.

Experts further said that there is insufficient information on the method of consuming micronutrients. “For every micronutrient and enhancer, there are inhibitors. It is essential to be armed with accurate knowledge to enjoy the benefits of natural food sources rich in micronutrients.”