The Importance of Micronutrient Deficiencies and Prevention Approaches for Better Health

An exploration of the impact of MNDs on global morbidity and mortality with insights from scientific revelations and what we can do about it personally and collectively

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We are confronted with a staggering reality globally. As pointed out by this scientific report in Nature, over 800 million people grapple with undernourishment, while 2 billion suffer from chronic micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). More than 6% of global mortality and morbidity burdens are associated with undernourishment and MNDs.

The problem is prevalent. The Nature report concludes that reducing calcium and zinc deficiency risks through dietary diversification and food and agricultural interventions, including fortification, crop breeding, and micronutrient fertilizers, will remain a significant challenge.

As documented in this review paper on Karger,

Sadly, many people worldwide lack enough of these micronutrients, especially pregnant women and young children. Iron, iodine, folate, vitamin A, and zinc are the main ones missing.

This paper in Cambridge Core informs that

“Micronutrient deficiencies are of growing public health concern. An understanding of how micronutrient deficiencies affect health and measures that can be taken to improve micronutrient status is essential to improve population health.”

In this article, I introduce the importance of micronutrients for health and well-being and provide valuable insights to address deficiencies using a collaborative approach based on my experience and literature reviews.

Importance of Micronutrients for Health and Well-Being

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need in small amounts to function properly. Chronic micronutrient deficiencies occur when a prolonged lack of these crucial elements impacts bodily functions.

Micronutrients are tiny but crucial elements our bodies need to function well. The mechanisms involve insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals from our diet, affecting processes like energy production, immune function, hormonal balance, cognitive function, and overall health.

This review paper informs that not getting enough of these can lead to issues like poor growth, learning problems, complications during childbirth, and higher chances of getting sick.

For example, iron shortage often causes a type of anemia, making people tired and more susceptible to infections. The lack of iodine can lead to goiter and affect mental abilities.

As I documented in a previous story, Zinc is vital for a strong immune system, and not having enough can increase the risk of infections. These deficiencies often don’t happen alone but together, making things even more challenging. The effects of not having these nutrients go beyond individuals; they can harm a country’s development.

This paper in the Postgraduate Medical Journal states,

"Micronutrients play a central part in metabolism and in the maintenance of tissue function. An adequate intake, therefore, is necessary, but providing excess supplements to people who do not need them may be harmful.”

As the researcher highlighted, “Single micronutrient deficiency states are comparatively easily recognized and treated. Subclinical deficiency, often of multiple micronutrients, is more difficult to recognize, and laboratory assessment is often complicated by the acute phase response.”

As mentioned in this recent paper, “Breaking the deficiency cycle is crucial. We can do this by ensuring good nutrition through supplements, fortified foods, and a diverse diet in the first 1,000 days of a person’s life.”

Overall, the literature highlights that this global effort is essential to ensure everyone gets the nutrients they need for a healthy life. Understanding where and how these deficiencies happen helps us determine the best prevention methods.

Chronic micronutrient deficiencies can have widespread effects on our well-being. For example, a lack of vitamin C may weaken our immune system, while insufficient iron and vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, causing fatigue, as happened to me in my younger years, and I will cover this in the next section.

These deficiencies can affect growth and development in children, lead to cognitive issues, and even impact pregnancy outcomes. The impact isn’t just physical; it can also affect mental health and daily functioning.

In my educated opinion, the implications of chronic micronutrient deficiencies are significant on an individual and societal level.

Individuals may experience health problems, reduced productivity, and lower quality of life. Societally, this can strain healthcare systems and hinder economic development due to decreased workforce productivity. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for overall well-being and societal progress.

An Overview of My Micronutrient Deficiencies in Younger Years

Unfortunately, I had a severe shortage of Vitamin B12 when I followed a plant-based diet solely. The deficiency caused me anemia. I felt weak, fatigued, and confused, like my father, who experienced a neurological disorder (ALS) and had severe Vitamin B12 deficiency. I didn’t want to be like him, as his situation was painful.

Vitamin B12 is also a critical nutrient. It is essential as the body cannot make it from other molecules. Therefore, we need to obtain it from food or supplements. Vitamin B12 is vital for our various systems, such as red blood cells, the nervous system, and DNA.

The body cannot make red blood cells without Vitamin B12, so the deficiency might impair oxygen delivery. Thus, Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the causes of anemia and other blood diseases, as documented in the medical literature.

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products such as poultry, red meat, organ meats, eggs, and dairy. A few plant sources, such as fortified grains, might have it in negligible amounts. Therefore, it might not be possible to get it from plant sources. Thus, supplementation of Vitamin B12 is suggested by healthcare professionals.

For severe deficiency, Vitamin B12 injection is used as a treatment method. I provided details on my research and experience in this article titled Why Vitamin B12 Matters for Health & How to Address Deficiency.

When I was solely on plant-based diets, not consuming animal-based food, not getting enough sunlight, and not supplementing it, I had a severe shortage of Vitamin D in my younger years. It adversely affected my physical and mental health.

Therefore, I raise awareness of the importance of this nutrient. For example, the musculoskeletal consequences of inadequate vitamin D have been well documented in the body of knowledge. This article by ODS includes 174 scientific citations, food sources, and other professional guidance.

As Vitamin D is critical for our health, I posted another article titled Here’s Why Vitamin D Is Vital for Immunity and What We Can Do About It. The article highlights that researchers recommend “raising vitamin D levels to above 50 ng/ml to prevent new outbreaks due to escape mutations or decreasing antibody activity.”

I also struggled with muscular pain caused by magnesium deficiency. Therefore, I highlight its importance in an article on NewsBreak and still supplement it with magnesium, as it is a critical mineral involved in 300 enzymatic reactions in the body to maintain homeostasis.

What can we do about micronutrient deficiencies individually and collectively?

I understand from the literature that to effectively combat chronic micronutrient deficiencies, adopting a multifaceted and integrated approach with the contributions of healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public is crucial.

One of the foundational steps is cultivating a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods while minimizing the intake of processed or junk foods. This dietary strategy ensures a diverse range of micronutrients is consumed, contributing to overall health.

Supplementation becomes particularly relevant for certain vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women or individuals with specific health conditions that may hinder nutrient absorption.

For example, pregnant women often require additional folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in their babies, highlighting the importance of targeted supplement use in preventive healthcare.

Public awareness campaigns are pivotal in creating informed and empowered communities. Educational programs, readily accessible nutrition information, and initiatives promoting healthy eating habits can collectively empower individuals to make informed diet choices.

Illustrating the impact of specific micronutrients with real-life examples, such as how iron contributes to energy levels and immune function, can enhance public understanding and motivation.

Healthcare professionals, including family doctors, play a critical role in this effort. Regular screenings can help identify micronutrient deficiencies early on, allowing for timely interventions.

Moreover, healthcare providers can refer patients at risk of deficiencies to dietitians and nutritionists. These specialists offer personalized guidance, tailoring dietary recommendations to individual needs and circumstances, thereby addressing deficiencies in a targeted and effective manner.

We can work towards a healthier and more nourished global population by integrating these strategies.

Takeaways for All Stakeholders

Here are the key takeaways from my experience and reviews.

1 — As an individual, follow a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods based on nutritional biochemistry principles to ensure a comprehensive intake of essential micronutrients, customizing your diet for your needs.

2 — Minimize the consumption of processed or junk foods to avoid empty calories and enhance the nutritional quality of your diet.

3— Understand the practical impact of micronutrients by exploring real-life examples. For instance, learn about how iron, zinc, magnesium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D contribute to energy levels and immune function, enabling a deeper appreciation for their importance.

4 — Regular health check-ups and screenings can help us identify and address micronutrient deficiencies early. Healthcare professionals, including family doctors, nutritionists, and dieticians, can guide patients toward optimal nutrition.

5 — As parents, focus on the importance of preventive measures, such as supplementation, fortification, and diversified food sources, particularly within the first 1,000 days of life, to break the cycle of malnutrition.

6 — As citizens, engage in and support educational programs and public awareness campaigns that promote nutrition literacy and empower people to make informed dietary choices.

7 — As professionals, advocate for a coordinated, sustainable global commitment to scaling up nutrition, recognizing that addressing chronic micronutrient deficiencies is not only a personal health concern but also crucial for economic development and human capital at a broader societal level.

8 — Healthcare providers must recognize the need for targeted supplementation, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women or those with specific health conditions.

From my perspective, I advocate for a personalized strategy in combating nutritional deficiencies. Instead of adhering to conventional diets, I emphasize delving into nutritional biochemistry. This approach aims to pave the way for a health-conscious and gratifying life by comprehensively addressing both micronutrients and macronutrients.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

I wrote about different nutrients and kept them in my blog EUPHORIA. They include Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Phosphatidylserine, Boron, Urolithin, taurine, citrulline malate, biotin, lithium orotate, alpha-lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, CoQ10, PQQ, NADH, TMG, creatine, choline, digestive enzymes, magnesium, zinc, hydrolyzed collagen, nootropics, pure nicotine, activated charcoal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and other nutrients.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.