New Delhi: According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal, people across age groups in India, irrespective of gender, cannot get adequate levels of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and folate. The study is the first to estimate nutrient intake in people across 185 countries. It takes people through diets without the use of 15 essential nutrients and micronutrients. The results also suggest that 70% of people around the world, approximately five billion people, do not get enough calcium, iron, folate, and vitamin E.
Researchers also discovered that in a country and a particular age group, more women consume inadequate levels of vitamin B12, iodine, and iron, as compared to men. On the other hand, men consumed inadequate levels of vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, and zinc. In India, most women have a low iodine intake as compared to men; and men on the other hand do not manage to get adequate levels of magnesium and zinc. It was also found over the past 10 years that micronutrient deficiencies leave large data gaps for most population groups and micronutrients.
In this study, it was also found that the prevalence of insufficient nutrient intake is as high as 99.3% globally. Data available from the Global Dietary Database stated so. The Lancet study also found that men and women aged 10-30 years were most likely to have low calcium intake, especially in Southeast Asia and South Asia. The authors of the study also said that the findings could also be used by public health professionals to target people in need of dietary changes. However, according to researchers, this did not account for fortified supplements and foods which is why the results could be overestimated in some parts where people eat fortified foods.
Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies
Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies depend on the deficiency that one is suffering from. Some of the most common signs are:
Brittle hair
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Weak nails
Dry skin
Swollen belly
Pale skin
Depression
Stunted growth in children
Dry lips
Frequent infections
In India, most women have a low iodine intake as compared to men; and men on the other hand do not manage to get adequate levels of magnesium and zinc. It was also found over the past 10 years that micronutrient deficiencies leave large data gaps for most population groups and micronutrients. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
