Study : Micronutrient Deficiency Across All Age Groups in India
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health journal reveals that people of all ages in India, both men and women, are not consuming adequate amounts of essential micronutrient such as
- Iron
- Calcium
- Folate
This study, led by an international team of researchers, including experts from Harvard University, is the first to estimate insufficient intake of 15 micronutrients across 185 countries based solely on dietary habits, excluding supplements.
Widespread Micronutrient Deficiency Worldwide
The study found that nearly 70 per cent of the global population, or over five billion people, are not consuming sufficient amounts of key nutrients, including
- Iodine
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
The data used for these findings were derived from the Global Dietary Database, covering 99.3 per cent of the world’s population.
Gender Differences in Nutrient Intake
The research also uncovered significant gender differences in nutrient intake within countries and age groups. In India, for example,
- Women were more likely than men to consume inadequate amounts of iodine, vitamin B12, and iron.
- Conversely, men were found to be more deficient in magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, and vitamin C compared to women.
Specific Vulnerabilities in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
The study highlighted that individuals aged 10-30 in regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to low calcium intake. These findings suggest that targeted dietary interventions are needed in these areas.
Implications for Public Health
The researchers emphasized that while previous analyses have addressed micronutrient deficiencies, significant data gaps remain, especially for certain nutrients and population groups. They also noted that their study did not consider the consumption of fortified foods or supplements, which could lead to an overestimation of nutrient deficiencies in some regions. Public health professionals can use these insights to target better interventions for populations most at risk of inadequate nutrient intake.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
