New articles on Lancet It has been estimated that the Indian population’s consumption of 15 dietary micronutrients is inadequate. Except for small portions, most people around the world do not consume essential micronutrients, the article noted.
article, Global estimation of dietary micronutrient deficiencies: a modeling analysis, by Simone Passarelli et al it is estimated that more than 5 billion people worldwide, which is 68% of the global population, do not consume enough iodine; 67%, vitamin E; and 66%, calcium. More than 4 billion people (65% of the population) do not consume enough iron; 55%, riboflavin; 54%, folate; and 53%, vitamin C.
“In the same countries and age groups, the estimated inadequate intake for women is higher for iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium; and higher for men than women for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin,” the article points out.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The authors say the analysis provides the first global estimate of inadequate micronutrient intake, and that public health practitioners can use the results to target populations in need of intervention.
It was found that globally, more than men, women consume lower amounts of micronutrients in the same country and age group for iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. In addition, imbalances were higher for women than men in many areas for calcium, riboflavin, vitamin E, and folate. Conversely, the prevalence of inadequate intake was consistently higher for men in the same country and age group for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin.
The researchers hope that the analysis will not only improve understanding of global micronutrient deficiencies, but also that public health interventions can effectively address deficiencies.
Rema Chandramohan, Director, Institute of Child Health, Chennai, said, “This study will help us understand the importance of a balanced diet if you are a vegetarian, and eat healthy. In a non-vegetarian diet, red meat instead of chicken or fish is a good source of micronutrients.. ”
Doctor Rema said that the health condition, and the cause of malabsorption should be known. “Before, we often see children with skin diseases, and other problems such as diarrhea. Children are healthier now. The accessibility to good food is better than before. However, some children have errors in their metabolism. Most of the time, micronutrients are absorbed from food, because we need micronutrients in micrograms,” he added.
It’s also about how people consume micronutrient supplements. Iron deficiency is easily treated with oral therapy. If you take iron supplements, you should use juice. If taken with coffee or tea, it will inhibit the treatment process, he said.
Meenakshi Bajaj, a dietitian at the Tamil Nadu Government Omandurar Multi Super Specialty Hospital, said the National Institute of Nutrition periodically releases recommended dietary allowances for the population. “The key factors are – our requirements; the vulnerable population, whose absorption may decrease due to certain conditions even if the intake is high; and the nutritional value of the food we consume,” he said.
Traditional foods will provide the necessary micronutrient value, he said. It’s time we avoid processed food, and return to the roots. Young people have moved away from traditional foods, and the recent wave of infections isn’t helping, he said.
“You have to be traditional. For example, even now in the village, it is a practice to give ulundu river (food made using black gram). It is rich in iron, vitamin B6, and protein. There are also other sources such as sesame balls, which are as small as small drops that add to the ocean,” he said.
Experts further say that there is insufficient knowledge about how to consume micronutrients. “For every micronutrient and enhancer, there is an inhibitor. It is necessary to be armed with accurate knowledge to enjoy the benefits of natural food sources rich in micronutrients…”
