This large-scale modeling study is the first to determine the global deficiency of 15 essential micronutrients based on real-world consumption data. The analysis is based on data from 185 countries and 34 age and gender groups and shows alarming results:
- Over 5 billion people do not consume enough iodine (68%), vitamin E (67%) and calcium (66%).
- Over 4 billion people suffer froman inadequate intake of iron (65%), riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin C.
- Women are particularly at risk with iodine, vitamin B12, iron and selenium, while men are at risk with magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, A, thiamine and niacin.
The study also identifies regional differences: calcium deficiency is particularly pronounced in South Asia, Africa and East Asia, for example.
Conclusion: Micronutrient deficiencies affect the majority of the population worldwide. The results provide a valuable basis for targeted interventions in public health, such as food supplementation, fortification or biofortification.
Background
Micronutrient deficiencies are among the most common and at the same time least recognized forms of global malnutrition. Previous analyses have mostly focused on specific population groups or countries and have often only used data on nutrient supply, not actual intake. This study is the first to provide global, demographically differentiated estimates of inadequate nutrient intake – a crucial step for targeted nutrition policy.
Methodology
- Data sources: Global Dietary Database (GDD), nutriR database, WHO, World Bank
- 15 essential micronutrients were recorded (e.g. iron, calcium, iodine, folic acid, vitamin C, B12, A, E, zinc)
- Assessment based on 34 age and gender groups in 185 countries (~99% of the world population in 2018)
- Calculation of median admissions and distribution shapes for each population group
- Comparison with international reference values for nutrient requirements
- Exclusion of nutrient intake via supplements or fortification
Results
The study reveals widespread nutritional gaps:
- Iodine, vitamin E and calcium: over 5 billion people worldwide are undersupplied.
- Iron, riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin C: over 4 billion people affected.
Particularly affected:
- Womenhigher deficiency rates for iodine, iron, folic acid, B12 and calcium
- MenMore often undersupplied with vitamins A, C, B6, thiamine, magnesium and zinc
Regional differences:
- Calcium deficiency in South Asia, Africa, East Asia
- Vitamin E deficiency is widespread worldwide, especially outside North America and Europe
- Riboflavin and B12 deficiency, especially in South Asia and Africa
Countries such as India, Russia, Mongolia and the DR Congo showed particularly serious deficiencies in several micronutrients.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths:
- First global estimate of actual nutrient intake based on real consumption data
- Use of harmonized, reproducible methods
- Public availability of all data and code
Limitations:
- No consideration of food supplements and fortification → Possible overestimation in countries with progressive nutrition policies
- Data gaps, especially for individual micronutrients and population groups (e.g. men)
- No consideration of nutrient bioavailability and interactions
Conclusion
This study shows that a large proportion of the world’s population suffers from at least one micronutrient deficiency – often several. The results underline the urgency of nutritional policy measures: targeted supplementation, fortification and biofortification programs could help to significantly improve the global micronutrient supply.
Through the differentiated presentation by age, gender and region, the study provides valuable approaches for a targeted global nutrition policy, especially in developing and emerging countries.