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Nutritional deficiencies that can lead to anaemia, thyroid, and other health problems
Nutritional deficiencies remain a major public health concern worldwide, affecting individuals across all age groups. A study published in the
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
identifies iron, vitamin D, and iodine as the most common deficiencies.
These nutrients are essential for healthy growth, immunity, cognitive function, and metabolic balance.
Deficiencies can lead to conditions such as anaemia, bone disorders, and thyroid problems. The study highlights the urgent need for greater public awareness, improved dietary habits, and targeted health interventions, particularly in vulnerable and low-income populations, to reduce the health risks associated with poor nutritional intake.
5 common nutrient deficiencies: Know how they impact health
Iron deficiency
: The leading cause of anaemia
Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally and is the leading cause of anaemia. Anaemia affects approximately 1.62 billion people worldwide, disproportionately impacting women of reproductive age, children, and the elderly. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. When iron levels are insufficient, it results in fatigue, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive development in children.
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Vitamin D deficiency
and its impact on bone health
Vitamin D deficiency is another widespread nutritional problem that poses significant health risks, especially related to bone health. The vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation, and its deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. Limited sun exposure, darker skin pigmentation, and dietary insufficiency are the primary factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in many populations.
Iodine deficiency
: A preventable cause of thyroid disorders
Iodine deficiency remains a significant cause of thyroid disorders, including goitre and hypothyroidism. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Deficiency during pregnancy can lead to severe cognitive impairments and developmental delays in children.
Vitamin A deficiency: A major threat to vision and immunity
Vitamin A deficiency is particularly prevalent in low-income countries and is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth. A lack of vitamin A increases the risk of severe infections and can lead to night blindness. Supplementation and food fortification programmes have proven effective in reducing the prevalence of this deficiency.
Zinc deficiency: Undermining immune and growth functions
Zinc is a vital trace mineral involved in immune response, wound healing, and cellular growth.
Zinc deficiency is especially common among children in developing countries and can result in stunted growth, increased susceptibility to infections, and delayed wound healing. Poor dietary intake and high rates of diarrhoeal diseases contribute significantly to this deficiency. Addressing it requires improved nutrition and, in some cases, targeted supplementation.
Public health implications and strategies
Addressing these key nutritional deficiencies requires coordinated public health interventions. The study underscores the need for:
Enhancing nutrition education to promote balanced diets rich in essential micronutrients.
Implementing food fortification and supplementation programmes tailored to vulnerable groups.
Regular monitoring and surveillance of nutritional status at the community and national levels.
Improving healthcare access to detect and manage nutritional deficiencies early.
Governments, healthcare providers, and community organisations must collaborate to ensure that effective strategies reach those most at risk, particularly in low-income and developing regions.
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