Nutrition-related diseases are increasing rapidly across the world. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer can arise from malnutrition, which is a huge health challenge across the world, including India.

While proper nutrition is a basic human right, billions of people do not have access to a healthy diet. Over 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.

According to the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey for 2022 to 2023, the share of food items in the total expenditure basket of Indians is on a continuous decline.

A new study by Lancet shows that most Indians are deficient in several micronutrients, especially iron, calcium and folate. Iodine deficiency is more prevalent in women than in men.

These figures highlight the growing trend among people to purchase processed and instant foods instead of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, that can meet their micronutrient requirements.

Problems with availability and affordability of nutrient-rich food have led to India facing a “double burden” of malnutrition, where obesity and diet-related diseases co-exist alongside underweight and deficiencies within the same community and even within households.

A report released in August showed there is an urgent need to make food systems more environmentally sustainable.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India’s apex health research body, has released dietary guidelines written by researchers from the National Institute of Nutrition, highlighting that having a balanced diet prevents malnutrition.

The report says that a large proportion of children suffer from malnutrition and anemia is a public health crisis.

What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small amounts to function properly.

Unlike macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein and fat, which are needed in large quantities and provide energy, micronutrients do not provide calories but are important for overall health.

Micronutrients are important for maintaining overall health and preventing deficiencies, which can cause serious health problems.

They perform a variety of functions, including enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances needed for normal growth and development.

For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness, while insufficient vitamin D can lead to bone disorders. They are also important for energy production, immune function, bone health, and brain function.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies are most common worldwide, especially in children and pregnant women.

Various vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B5, C, D, E and K and minerals (such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc and copper) are essential for obtaining energy, absorption of certain macronutrients, protecting cells from damage, transporting oxygen throughout the body and maintaining electrolyte balance etc.

Micronutrient Recommendations

There are around 30 vitamins and minerals that we should consume regularly.

Scientists at the Institute of Medicine have determined the amount of micronutrients to be consumed per day based on age, sex and life stage, which is called the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance).

It is important to note that these recommended values ​​are intended to prevent deficiencies and their related diseases and conditions and are not necessarily optimal for longevity.

Why are Indians iron deficient?

Iron deficiency means your body doesn’t have enough iron (a micronutrient) to produce the right amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Without enough hemoglobin, your organs and tissues won’t get the oxygen they need to function properly.

Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, cold hands and feet, headaches, and cravings for non-food items such as ice, clay, or mud.

If left untreated, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells.

It can cause severe fatigue, heart problems, pregnancy complications, and delayed development in children.

Nutritionist Nilanjana Singh told IndiaToday.in that intake of fruits and vegetables is declining in India, leading to several deficiencies.

The expert said that iron deficiency could also mean that vitamin C is not being consumed in sufficient quantities.

“People’s purchasing patterns have changed and they are spending more on non-food and processed items. So, micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron and calcium from fruits and vegetables, are natural,” said Neelanjana Singh.

Iron deficiency is usually treated with dietary changes and iron supplements. Eating iron-rich foods, such as lean meats, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals, can help.

In some cases, vitamin C supplements are recommended to improve iron absorption.

What next?

Nutrition-related diseases are increasing rapidly worldwide, with long-term diseases such as diabetes and heart disease often linked to malnutrition.

In India, a large proportion of the population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency. The increasing consumption of processed foods compared to fresh produce further aggravates this problem, leading to a “double burden” where malnutrition and obesity co-exist.

If we are hoping for a strong and healthy future, people need to adopt a sustainable, affordable and highly nutritious balanced diet.