Top 10 micronutrient deficiencies in Indian women (2024)

FAQs

Top 10 micronutrient deficiencies in Indian women? ›

In India, vitamin D deficiency has become a significant public health issue, with women bearing the brunt of the consequences. Recent research indicates that more than 90% of Indian women do not consume enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure and diet.

In India, vitamin D deficiency has become a significant public health issue, with women bearing the brunt of the consequences. Recent research indicates that more than 90% of Indian women do not consume enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure and diet.

Iron deficiency is the most common dietary deficiency in women and can lead to anemia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anemia affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age in the U.S. Calcium deficiency: Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones.

Common nutritional deficiencies among Indians include protein, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, vitamin A, calcium, and others.

However, a lack of nutrition diversity in meals — inclusion of quality sources of proteins, micronutrients — in Indian households could be one of the main reasons behind anaemia, according to professor Aparajita Chattopadhyay of the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), a Mumbai-based population ...

Deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and iodine are the most common around the world, particularly in children and pregnant women. Low- and middle-income counties bear the disproportionate burden of micronutrient deficiencies.

The most common nutritional problems in India arise due to a lack of essential nutrients within the human body. Among the many problems, vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency, protein deficiency, iodine deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are the most prevalent. A balanced diet is essential for a healthy body.

Data from Tata 1mg Labs reveals that nearly 76% of the Indian population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D or the 'Sunshine' vitamin is a vital nutrient that helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. This in turn promotes stronger bones, teeth and muscles.

What happens when vitamin D is low in females? ›

When vitamin D levels are low and the body isn't able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels less than 10 ng/mL) may also contribute to an increased risk of falls.

One way to meet the recommended daily intake of micronutrients is to provide foods fortified with micro- nutrients (2–3). Fortified foods, such as corn-soya blend, biscuits, vegetable oil enriched with vitamin A, and iodized salt, are usually provided as part of food rations during emergencies.

Iron deficiency

Anaemia caused by iron deficiency can lead to fatigue. To overcome this, consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so pair iron-rich foods with citrus fruits or bell peppers.

India being a tropical country has adequate sunshine. Most of the Indian population live in areas with adequate sunlight throughout the year and are expected to have adequate Vitamin D. Contrary to this, the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is high in India.

As the case with plants and soils, Fe and Zn deficiencies are also the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies in humans.

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a sun-rich country like India (Latitude—8° 4′–37° 6′ N most of India has adequate Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) throughout the year) has been reported due to several reasons including inadequate exposure to sunlight, dietary factors (inadequate vitamin D and calcium intake, ...

India has the highest prevalence of clinical and subclinical VAD among South Asian countries; 62% of preschool children were reported to be deficient in vitamin A.

Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is 47% in north Indian population. People with diabetes have higher vitamin B12 levels than general population though still have high prevalence of deficiency. This data shows that Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread in Indian population.