A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health journal highlights a significant public health concern in India—widespread deficiencies in essential micronutrients, particularly iron, calcium, and folate, among people of all ages. The research, conducted by an international team that includes experts from Harvard University, analyzed data from 185 countries, revealing that both men and women in India are not consuming adequate amounts of these vital nutrients through their diets.
The study is one of the first to estimate the inadequate intake of 15 key micronutrients on a global scale, without considering the use of supplements. Alarmingly, the research found that nearly 70% of the global population, or over five billion people, are deficient in nutrients such as iodine, vitamin E, and calcium.
In India, the study identified gender-specific deficiencies. Women are more prone to iodine and iron deficiencies, while men tend to lack sufficient magnesium and zinc. These findings align with global trends, where women are generally more deficient in iodine, vitamin B12, and iron, whereas men often fall short on magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, and vitamin C.
The research underscores the urgent need for public health interventions to address these deficiencies, particularly among young men and women aged 10-30 years in regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, where low calcium intake is especially prevalent. Although the study did not account for fortified foods or supplements, which could result in overestimated deficiency rates in certain areas, it nonetheless provides a crucial roadmap for targeting nutritional improvements.
To combat these deficiencies, the study suggests several strategies to improve calcium intake, such as incorporating dairy products, eating calcium-rich vegetables, choosing fortified foods, including calcium-rich fish, and snacking on nuts and seeds. Additionally, improving calcium absorption by ensuring adequate vitamin D intake and limiting caffeine and sodium consumption is recommended.
