Consumption of inadequate levels of micronutrients critical to human health

Over half of the global population consumes insufficient levels of essential micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E, according to a study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UC Santa Barbara, and GAIN. This is the first study to estimate the global prevalence of inadequate consumption of 15 key micronutrients.

Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread and linked to various health issues, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, blindness, and increased susceptibility to infections. The researchers used data from the Global Dietary Database and dietary surveys across 31 countries to compare nutrient intake to recommended levels in 185 countries.

The study found widespread inadequacies, particularly in iodine (68%), vitamin E (67%), calcium (66%), and iron (65%). Women showed higher deficiencies in iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, while men had higher deficiencies in calcium, niacin, thiamin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and B6. Calcium intake was particularly low among people aged 10-30 in South and East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of North America and Europe.