MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AFFECT ADULTS ON A GLOBAL SCALE
Micronutrients are fundamental to healthy living, with every biological process being dependent on vitamins and minerals.
The pertinent global health issue of micronutrient deficiencies is currently estimated to affect 2-3 billion people globally, with the most widespread deficiencies including iron, iodine, folate, vitamin A and zinc.
Micronutrient deficiencies are not solely present in third-world settings, as micronutrient deficiencies affect most people around the world, including those in high-income populations.
The most common micronutrient deficiencies across the globe
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports iron deficiency as the most common nutritional disorder in the world. Iron deficiency affects many women in third-world settings and has been reported as the only nutrient deficiency which is also significantly prevalent in industralised countries.
Micronutrient deficiencies have also be linked to various diseases and disorders around the world, including depression, mood-disorders, psychiatric disorders, osteoporosis osteomalacia, thyroid deficiency, colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies have perpetuating effects on disease and illnesses, increasing the severity of infectious diseases, such as measles, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, while also increasing the risk of dying from diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia.
Broad-spectrum micronutrient approaches have even been found effective in treating mood disorders in youth and adults. Although folic acid, chromium, and possibly zinc may be effective adjunctive treatments for adult depression, they were not found potent enough to be monotherapies.
In contrast, broad-spectrum micronutrient treatments were found effective in early controlled trials as potent treatments of ADHD, aggressive and disordered conduct, and mood disorders in youth and adults.
When treating bipolar depression and mania, broad-spectrum micronutrients appeared similar to traditional medications, yet with reduced undesirable effects and probable greater long-term stability. Furthermore, when working with healthy adults, broad-spectrum micronutrients may reduce post-traumatic symptoms, benefit memory, and increase mental energy and clarity.
Conclusion
Micronutrient deficiencies have broad effects throughout the body and brain, making micronutrient-rich diets important for healthy populations.
Research on micronutrient-deficient illness and diseases present opportunities for nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions across communities that lack consumption of nutrient-dense foods or food security.
