Recent reports have revealed that Indian people suffer from several micronutrient deficiencies including iron, iodine, folate and calcium. While macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates and fats are important, micronutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

Iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are particularly widespread, affecting mainly preschool children (under 5 years of age) and pregnant women.

Dr Narayana Murthy MK, Bangalore-based anaesthesiologist and honorary advisor to the Sri Sathya Sai Annapurna Trust, said children under the age of 5 in India suffer from various disorders due to micronutrient deficiencies.

“These deficiencies lead to serious health problems, such as impaired cognitive and physical development, increased susceptibility to infections, and maternal mortality,” Dr. Murthy said.

Children under the age of 5 are highly vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies as they grow rapidly, increasing their nutritional needs. More than 50% of children under the age of 5 in India are malnourished.

Earlier this year, Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said that as per the June 2024 nutrition tracker data, of about 8.57 crore children under the age of 6 measured, 17% were underweight, while 36% were stunted and 6% were wasted (when children are too thin for their height due to recent weight loss or no weight gain).

Dr Murthy said most children lack variety in their diets, which results in inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin A and zinc.

“Frequent infections may impair nutrient absorption and increase nutrient losses. Restricted food intake due to loss of appetite and irregular eating habits further increase the risk, making people in this age group particularly susceptible to deficiencies, impacting their health and growth,” the expert said.

Despite government programs, these deficiencies, referred to as “underlying hunger”, are particularly prevalent among vulnerable populations.

According to Dr Murthy, better dietary practices, food fortification, supplementation and targeted public health initiatives are needed to tackle these.

“To address micronutrient deficiencies in preschool children, we should focus on dietary diversification with nutrient-rich foods, food fortification (such as iron, vitamin A, zinc) and targeted supplementation programmes in high-risk areas,” said Dr Murthy.

Health education for parents and caregivers can promote a balanced diet and healthy eating habits.

Additionally, promptly addressing deficiencies through regular screenings and improving access to resources could reduce malnutrition rates in India.