Micronutrient deficiency: Nutrients like iodine, vitamin E and calcium are very important for the body. But what is surprising is that more than 5 billion people in the world suffer from this deficiency. This problem is even more serious in our country, because this is where most of the people suffering from nutritional deficiencies live.
According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health Journal, Indians are not consuming enough essential micronutrients like iron, calcium and folic acid. More than two billion people worldwide are suffering from this. This is affecting not only their immunity but also their physical and mental health.
What does the study say?
In this study, the intake of 15 micronutrients in 185 countries was estimated, based on a diet without supplements. Researchers from Harvard University found in this study that 70% of the world’s population, or 5 billion people, suffer from deficiencies in iodine, vitamin E and calcium. In India, women have more iodine deficiencies than men, while men have zinc and magnesium deficiencies compared to women.
Impact on so many people in India
This study showed that the consumption of nutritious coarse grains like jowar and millets has now declined considerably. This is why the Indian population is facing the threat of nutritional deficiencies. It is estimated that of the 2 billion people suffering from nutritional deficiencies in the world, one-third live in India alone. The main reason for this is perhaps the lack of nutrients in food.
Calcium deficiency is more common in young people
The study found that the risk of calcium deficiency is higher among people aged 10 to 30 years. This problem is more prevalent in South Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the potency of fertilizers and toxic chemicals, as well as the reduction of nutrients, toxic elements present in cereals have also increased.
In the last 50 years alone, zinc and iron deficiencies in rice have decreased by 33% and 27%. While the amount of toxic arsenic has increased by 1,493%. Because of this, not only is there a lack of nutrition in food, but health is also affected in many ways.
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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