More than half of the world's population lacks these 15 key nutrients

Nutrients are essential for maintaining good health, and when the body lacks them, a variety of diseases can result. While nutrient deficiencies are often associated with poorer countries, recent research reveals a surprising finding.

More than half of the world's population suffers from deficiencies of essential micronutrients. This problem affects people of all income levels. According to a report by the The New York PostA new study shows that more than 60% of the world's population is deficient in several key nutrients, including calcium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin E.

It is worth noting that the situation is particularly serious in European countries. Researchers analysed global consumption data for 15 important micronutrients, including calcium, iodine, iron, riboflavin, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, thiamine, niacin and vitamins A, B6, B12, C and E, and the results revealed some alarming deficiencies.

The study found that 68% of the world's population is deficient in iodine, 67% in vitamin E, 66% in calcium and 65% in iron. Calcium intake was particularly low in North America, Europe and Central Asia.

In addition, more than half of the world's population is also deficient in riboflavin, folate, vitamin C and vitamin B6. Niacin deficiency affects only 22% of people, while thiamine and selenium deficiencies affect 30% and 37% of people, respectively.

While deficiencies of iodine, vitamin B12, iron and selenium are more common in women, deficiencies of calcium, niacin, thiamine, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6 are more common in men.

Deficiencies in these micronutrients can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, hair loss and weakness. The results of this research, published in Lancet Global Health, highlight a worrying trend: the world's population is facing significant deficiencies of essential nutrients.