A nutritional study has found that more than half of the global population consumes inadequate levels of micronutrients.
This includes vitamins C and E, calcium and iron, which are crucial for normal bodily functioning.
The study, conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is the first to provide global estimates relating to the consumption of micronutrients necessary for human health.
It was published in the Lancet Global Health, and includes data from more than 185 countries worldwide.
Micronutrient deficiencies are a global issue
Researchers found that almost all of the micronutrients being tested for in this study were at insufficient levels in participants, with this trend being particularly prevalent for iodine (68%), vitamin E (67%), calcium (66%) and iron (65%).
It was also found that a majority of people were consuming inadequate levels of riboflavin, folate and vitamins C and B6.
“Our study is a big step forward,” said co-lead author Chris Free, research professor at UCSB.
“Not only because it is the first to estimate inadequate micronutrient intakes for 34 age-sex groups in nearly every country, but also because it makes these methods and results easily accessible.”
Micronutrient deficiencies are a highly common form of malnutrition that can affect people across the globe.
They can result in a number of adverse health consequences, and treating these deficiencies could take strain off the healthcare system, while also improving people’s quality of life.
Senior author Christopher Golden added: “The public health challenge facing us is immense, but we now have the opportunity to identify the most effective dietary interventions and target them to the populations most in need.”