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(Rajesh Mehta/BCCL, Delhi)
More than 80 percent of the Indian population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies, which contribute to compromised immunity, according to a report released Tuesday.
According to a consensus from Bayer’s Division of Consumer Health, more than two billion people suffer from MiND (micronutrient deficiencies) worldwide, with nearly half living in India.
“The Physician Consensus Document has identified a growing problem in India, with most of us at risk of MiND,” Sandeep Verma, Country Head, Bayer’s Consumer Health Division in India, said in a statement.
“Serious multi-micronutrient insufficiency coupled with improper eating habits and lifestyle factors have contributed to the increasing micronutrient deficiency in India,” added Verma.
The consensus, based on a national advisory board made up of 21 Indian health professionals, found that fatigue, insomnia, lack of energy, malaise and loss of appetite are early signs of hidden hunger contributing to a compromised immunity.
Pregnant people consume less than 50 percent of required essential micronutrients, according to the report.
The report mentions that MiND is highly prevalent in more than 62 percent of urban and semi-urban adults due to incorrect eating habits, inadequate diet, and prevalence of anemia leading to multiple micronutrient insufficiency.
Furthermore, the consensus also reported how these micronutrient deficiencies could be directly linked to compromised immunity and viral respiratory infections.
Scientific evidence suggests that zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D are some of the most important micronutrients to help boost immunity, influencing the risk and clinical course of viral respiratory infections.
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