More Than Half of the World’s Population Lacks These 15 Key Nutrients – News18

Nutrients are crucial for maintaining good health, and when the body lacks sufficient nutrients, it can lead to various diseases. While nutrient deficiencies are often associated with poorer countries, recent research reveals a surprising finding.

More than half of the world’s population suffers from deficiencies in essential micronutrients. This issue affects people across all income levels. According to a report in the New York Post, a new study shows that over 60% of the global population is deficient in several key nutrients, including calcium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Notably, the situation is particularly severe in European countries. Researchers analysed global consumption data for 15 major micronutrients such as calcium, iodine, iron, riboflavin, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, thiamine, niacin, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E and the findings revealed some alarming deficiencies.

The study found that 68% of people worldwide have iodine deficiency, 67% suffer from vitamin E deficiency, 66% have calcium deficiency, and 65% are deficient in iron. Calcium intake was notably low in North America, Europe, and Central Asia.

Additionally, more than half of the global population is also lacking in riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Niacin deficiency affects only 22% of people, while thiamine and selenium deficiencies affect 30% to 37% of people, respectively.

While deficiencies in iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium are more common in women, deficiencies in calcium, niacin, thiamine, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 are more prevalent in men.

Deficiencies in these micronutrients can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, hair loss, and weakness. The results of this research, published in Lancet Global Health, highlight a worrying trend that people worldwide are facing significant deficiencies in essential nutrients.