Researchers modeled the global prevalence of insufficient micronutrient intakes for 15 crucial micronutrients to identify dietary nutrient gaps by demographics.
Findings
According to dietary nutrient intake estimates (excluding supplementation and fortification), nearly five billion individuals (68%) consume insufficient amounts of iodine, calcium (66%), and E vitamin (67%).
Over four billion individuals consume inadequate quantities of iron (65%), folate (54%), ascorbic acid (53%), and riboflavin (55%). Within a particular nation and age category, females had higher estimated insufficient intakes of vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and iron than men. In contrast, males had higher estimates of vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, niacin, and thiamin.
A few nations reported anticipated intake shortfalls that deviated from the overall pattern. For example, the estimated insufficient intakes of folate, riboflavin, and vitamins B6 and B12 were very high in India; the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Madagascar had extremely insufficient intakes of niacin; and Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Russia had highly insufficient selenium intakes.
Calcium intake deficiency was most prevalent in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Sub-Saharan parts of Africa, particularly among those aged 10 to 30. Only Central Asia, Europe, and North America have consistently low rates of insufficient calcium consumption. Only Canada and Europe had a low rate of poor iodine consumption, whereas vitamin E was mostly found among Pacific Island nations. Only South Asian and African nations have high rates of poor vitamin B12 and riboflavin consumption.
Conclusion
The study identifies major worldwide nutritional deficits, notably in vitamin E, iodine, iron, calcium, folate, and riboflavin. Most individuals do not consume enough micronutrients. Understanding these patterns can help determine where nutritional interventions, such as dietary modifications, biofortification, and supplementation, are required.
Correlating nutritional intake deficiencies can increase intervention delivery efficiency. The study findings might help public health practitioners create focused dietary programs and policies. Further research into the origins and severity of deficiencies is required before implementing fortification, supplementation, and dietary intervention strategies in specific regions.
Source:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240904/New-global-analysis-highlights-micronutrient-shortages.aspx