A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health journal reveals that Indians across all age groups, regardless of gender, are consuming insufficient amounts of essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and folate. This comprehensive study, conducted by an international team including researchers from Harvard University, is the first to estimate the inadequate consumption of 15 critical micronutrients across 185 countries, based on diet alone without supplementation.
The study’s findings are concerning, showing that nearly 70 percent of the global population, equivalent to over five billion people, are not consuming adequate levels of vital nutrients like iodine, vitamin E, and calcium. In India, the study highlighted significant nutritional gaps, with more women consuming insufficient amounts of iodine compared to men, and more men lacking adequate levels of zinc and magnesium.
The researchers also noted that, globally, women were more likely to have inadequate intakes of iodine, vitamin B12, and iron, while men were more deficient in magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, and vitamin C. Despite previous analyses over the past decade addressing micronutrient deficiencies, the study indicates that large data gaps persist for many nutrients and population groups.
These findings underscore the critical need for improved dietary strategies and public health interventions to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies in India and globally.
