A balanced diet is essential for overall growth, immune system strength, and providing the body with necessary nutrients, yet a large portion of the world’s population is not getting enough critical vitamins and minerals. A groundbreaking study by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has found that more than half of the global population consumes inadequate levels of several key micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E.
The study, published in The Lancet Global Health on August 29, 2024, is the first to offer global estimates of inadequate consumption for 15 essential micronutrients, shedding light on a major public health concern.
“Our study is a big step forward,” said co-lead author Chris Free, research professor at UCSB. “Not only because it is the first to estimate inadequate micronutrient intakes for 34 age-sex groups in nearly every country, but also because it makes these methods and results easily accessible to researchers and practitioners.”
Comprehensive Assessment of Global Nutrient Intake
Researchers used data from sources including the Global Dietary Database, World Bank, and dietary surveys in 31 countries. They assessed 185 countries, examining the diets of people from 34 different age and gender groups. The study analyzed 15 essential vitamins and minerals: calcium, iodine, iron, riboflavin, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, thiamin, niacin, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E.
Widespread Deficiency Detected
The study revealed significant deficiencies in nearly all of the analyzed micronutrients, with iodine deficiency affecting 68% of the global population, followed by vitamin E (67%), calcium (66%), and iron (65%). More than half of the population also fell short on riboflavin, folate, and vitamins C and B6. Niacin intake was the closest to sufficient, with only 22% of people consuming inadequate levels, followed by thiamin (30%) and selenium (37%).
These findings suggest that even in a world where access to food has improved, many are still lacking in essential nutrients that are critical for long-term health and well-being. The researchers hope this study will prompt action to address these widespread deficiencies through better dietary interventions, food fortification, and public health initiatives.
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