Indians across all age groups have been consuming less than the required amounts of micronutrients needed for their overall health, such as calcium, iron and folate, according to The Lanclet Global Health report.
The research, the first to assess intakes of 15 key micronutrients across 185 countries, highlights critical deficiencies in iron, calcium and folate among the Indian population.
Nutrient deficiency in Indians
The study, conducted by an international team including researchers from Harvard University, used data from the World Dietary Database to estimate nutrient deficiencies globally. It found that about 70 percent of the world’s population – more than five billion people – lack key micronutrients such as iodine, vitamin E and calcium.
In India, the study identified that both men and women are failing to meet their nutritional needs, with notable deficiencies in iron and calcium. It revealed that women are particularly prone to insufficient intake of iodine, vitamin B12 and iron, while men are more likely to have inadequate levels of magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C.
Is calcium deficiency more common than other conditions?
The research highlights that people aged 10 to 30 years are most affected by calcium deficiency, especially in South Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The results suggest that targeted public health interventions could be crucial to address these deficiencies.
However, the authors caution that their estimates may be high due to the exclusion of fortified foods and supplements from their analysis. In regions where such foods are prevalent, actual deficiency levels may be lower.
This comprehensive study offers valuable insights for public health practitioners seeking to improve nutritional outcomes and effectively target interventions to combat micronutrient deficiencies in India and elsewhere. (With inputs from PTI)
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