Billions of People Have Inadequate Micronutrients, Study Estimates
September 4th, 2024Thanks to Cryptogon readers who use my iHerb affiliate link, I am able to afford high quality supplements for my family. Those click throughs are very much appreciated.
Note: I think “Vitamin C” and “controlled demolition” are tied for the phrases that generate the most insane troll outbreaks for me.
Via: Epoch Times:
More than half the world’s population is deficient in micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, according to a new study.
According to the results, published in Lancet Global Health journal, 99.3 percent of the global population is missing at least one important nutrient.
The study collected data from 31 countries to estimate micronutrient consumption in 185 countries.
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Each micronutrient deficiency has unique consequences, with multiple deficiencies potentially lowering quality of life and lifespan. The study revealed several global deficiency rates:
Iodine (68 percent): Vital for cognitive development in infants. Iodine plays an essential role for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Common sources of iodine are iodized salt, seaweed, and seafood.
Vitamin E (67 percent): Deficiency can cause muscle weakness and impaired coordination. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are common sources of vitamin E.
Calcium (66 percent): Deficiencies can cause weak and brittle bones. Dairy and fish are common sources of calcium.
Iron (65 percent): Deficiencies can cause anemia, affecting cognition and pregnancy outcomes. Red meat and eggs are common sources of iron.
Riboflavin (55 percent): Deficiencies can cause non-specific symptoms like eye sensitivity and neurological symptoms like seizures and migraines. Eggs, meat, and dairy are main sources of riboflavin.
Folate (54 percent): Folate is needed early in pregnancy to reduce the risk of stillbirths and severe birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Nuts and leafy greens are main sources of folate.
Vitamin C (53 percent): Deficiencies can cause gum bleeding and poor wound healing. Peppers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are common sources of vitamin C.
Other less common deficiencies include inadequate vitamin A and zinc. Vitamin A deficiencies can cause blindness and zinc helps prevent infectious disease.
