Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential for health, even if they are required in small quantities (Getty)
An analysis published by The Lancet Global Health It is estimated that more than 5 billion people around the world they do not eat sufficient quantities of essential micronutrients for health.
He study Global estimation of dietary micronutrient deficiencies: a modeling analysis is the first global estimate of micronutrient intake using global consumption data. The researchers analyzed 15 essential micronutrients based on data collected from 185 countries, evaluating consumption in different age and sex groups.
And they observed that 68% of the world population has iodine deficiencieswhile other essential nutrients, such as vitamin E and calciumpresent similar percentages of deficiency, affecting the 67 y 66% of the population, respectively.
The ironmeanwhile, an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin and the prevention of anemia, is another micronutrient deficient in the diet of more than 4 billion people, that is, 65% of the population. Other important elements such as vitamin B2, folate and vitamin C They also present deficiency rates greater than 50%.
These data, which exclude contributions from fortified foods and supplements, highlight a problem that extends beyond economically disadvantaged regions. And they highlight that these deficiencies can lead to serious health problemssuch as anemia, cognitive development problems, weakness in the immune system and complications in pregnancy.
Vitamins such as C and D, and zinc are essential for the immune system, helping to prevent infections, explains Aguirre Ackermann (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small quantities, but they are crucial for the proper functioning of physiological and metabolic processes. Although they are required in minimal proportions compared to macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats), its impact on health It’s deep.
According to the doctor specializing in Internal Medicine and Nutrition Marianela Aguirre Ackermann (MN 151,867), member of the Obesity Group of the Argentine Nutrition Society (SAN), associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the National University of the Northeast and director of the CIEN Foundation, “iron, zinc and magnesium are essential for energy production and cellular metabolism.
Besides, vitamins such as C and D, along with zinc, are essential to strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight infections and diseases, said the expert consulted by this means.
For her, the deficiency of these essential nutrients is a serious problem in many countries, including Argentina, where only 20% of the population consumes the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, according to the National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNyS 2). “Micronutrient deficiency can lead to health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis or disorders in cognitive development,” warned Aguirre Ackermann, who highlighted the impact that this “hidden hunger” has on quality of life.
Ana Cappelletti highlights that the price of fruits and vegetables exceeds that of ultra-processed foods, which makes it difficult for people with lower incomes to access them (Getty)
In Argentina, the most recent studies show that the intake of food and micronutrients in the population is insufficient to cover the recommended nutritional requirements.
Aguirre Ackermann mentioned the Latin American Nutrition and Health Study (ELANS), which evaluated the daily consumption of ten food groups in eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) and whose results showed a deficit in the intake of the food groups that are associated with a lower risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is:
- Less than 3.5% of the population evaluated had optimal consumption of vegetables, whole grains, fish, yogurt, nuts and seeds,
- Only 7.2% reached the World Health Organization (WHO) fruit and vegetable consumption recommendation, which is 400 grams per day.
In Argentina, in addition, a high consumption of ready-to-drink sugary drinks (powdered juices, soft drinks, flavored waters) was observed.
On the other hand, the National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNyS 2) carried out between 2018 and 2019 showed that calcium and vitamin D consumption is particularly low: Less than 50% of adolescents and older adults meet daily calcium recommendations.
“Lower income groups are the most affected, as they tend to have less varied diets and a greater consumption of ultra-processed foods,” said the specialist. These dietary patterns lead to a higher prevalence of deficiencies in iron, zinc and B vitamins.”
Even if a person consumes enough calories, they could be affected by “hidden hunger” if their diet lacks essential nutrients (Illustrative Image Infobae)
At this point, two factors coexist that make the situation even more complex: micronutrient deficiency is associated with a high consumption of processed foods and low in essential nutrients.
Consulted by this means, the doctor who is a member of the Obesity and Bariatric Surgery working groups of the Argentine Nutrition Society (SAN) and director of postgraduate studies at the Favaloro University Ana Cappelletti (MN 76523) maintained that “’hidden hunger’ is usually related to a high fast food diet y low in fresh foods and nutritious like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”
In their view, price is also a determining factor: fruits and vegetables tend to be more expensive than ultra-processed products and sugary drinks, a situation that mainly affects low-income sectors. “The price of fruits and vegetables exceeds that of junk food, which makes their consumption difficult in lower-income sectors,” he highlighted.
In addition, food fads and restrictive diets They also contribute to these deficiencies. Aguirre Ackermann mentioned trends such as “carbofobia”or the rejection of carbohydrates, and poorly planned vegetarian or vegan dietswhich can lead to deficiencies of vitamins B12, iron and zinc. Additionally, some people eliminate gluten without a medical reason, which can reduce their intake of fiber, iron, and B vitamins if they do not adequately replace the eliminated foods.
Cappelletti agreed with her, for whom “the lack of vitamins and minerals It is often caused by culture, habits, diet or current food fads, which lead to the demonization of certain food groups, for example, dairy products with the consequent lack of calcium.”
Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies in adolescents and older adults are prevalent in Argentina, with less than 50% reaching the recommended intake (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Globally, food insecurity remains a critical issue. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a person faces food insecurity when he or she lacks regular access to sufficient nutritious food for normal growth and development.
This lack of access may be due to the lack of availability of food or the lack of resources to obtain it. In the words of Cappelletti, “in a global society, food production responds more to supply, consumption and profits than to the real needs of people.” This led to a market in which Ultra-processed foods are more accessible than nutritious options, especially for low-income sectors.
Food fortification policies, such as adding iodine to salt or vitamin D in dairy products, are key measures to combat micronutrient deficiencies in the population (Getty)
To reduce the incidence of “hidden hunger” and its negative effects on health, public health strategies are needed that promote access to nutritious and varied foods.
The study of The Lancet suggests that governments implement food fortification policies, such as adding iodine to salt or including vitamin D in dairy products.
In Argentina, the food fortification It was a key tool since 1967, when the salt iodization law was implemented. However, as Cappelletti explained, “during the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in iodine levels in available salt was observed, which led the government to issue an alert due to its possible effects on public health.”
“It is essential to implement public health policies that include food fortification and supplementation programs,” highlighted Aguirre Ackermann.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food insecurity as the lack of access to sufficient and nutritious food for a healthy life (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Furthermore, in his view, the promotion of a balanced dietrich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, is essential to combat micronutrient deficiency. “The key to improving micronutrient intake is to promote a varied and balanced diet,” he said, while recommending including foods from all groups, and avoiding excessive consumption of processed products and sugary drinks.
In conclusion, the experts agreed that “micronutrient deficiency represents a silent threat to global health and to the Argentine population.” The lack of access to fresh, nutritious foodcombined with processed food consumption patterns and poor dietary practices, creates an environment conducive to malnutrition.
Implementing public health policies that promote access to fortified foods and nutrition education may be a key solution to closing this gap. Without urgent intervention, the “hidden hunger” will continue to affect the well-being, productivity and development of millions of people around the world.
