Harvard Study: "The nutritional status is alarming."

In collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), researchers from Harvard University assessed the global population's supply of 15 essential micronutrients. A deficiency in micronutrients is one of the major risk factors for health worldwide - not only in poorer countries, but also in Western countries, despite having sufficient food available to us.

What was investigated?

The researchers used data from the Global Dietary Database, a database that provides representative data on nutritional status. They also utilized information from nutrition studies. Based on this, they determined the nutrient intake of 99.3 percent of the world's population in 185 countries.

In the evaluation, women and men of all age groups and 15 vitamins and trace elements were included:

• Iodine

• Iron

• The group of B vitamins, including B6 and B12.

• Folic acid

• Zinc

• Magnesium

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

• Selenium

The results: Deficiencies in almost all micronutrients

The study revealed significant deficiencies in the supply of almost all examined micronutrients. Particularly concerning was the supply of iodine and iron (each 65 percent), as well as for over half of the population with vitamin B2, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B1 (30 percent) and selenium (37 percent) also showed significant supply gaps. Synergistic effects between individual micronutrients could not be taken into account.

"These results are alarming," said Ty Beal, specialist at GAIN. "The majority of people - even more than previously thought - in all regions and countries around the world, as well as all income levels, are consuming "insufficient amounts of several essential micronutrients". These gaps affect the health and health potential of the population worldwide."

Professor Christopher Golden from Harvard University further explained: "The public health challenge we are facing is enormous. However, professionals and decision-makers have the opportunity to identify the most effective nutrition interventions and tailor them specifically to the population."

The data shows how valuable a dietary supplement is for human health - and that without it, the supply of micronutrients to humans is more often inadequate and borderline than thought.

The problem: An inadequate supply does not always become apparent immediately

Micronutrient deficiencies go through various stages before becoming apparent. Already in the stage of suboptimal intake, enzyme activities and immune functions are inhibited. The body then usually reacts non-specifically with fatigue, hair loss, headaches, and concentration problems. Over time, the immune status weakens and susceptibility to degenerative diseases increases, as the overall performance of the organism is reduced. 

What does this mean for us?

Despite the wide variety of food choices available, even more people than expected in this country do not meet the minimum recommendations for micronutrients. The study shows that almost everyone benefits from a holistic optimization of nutrition. The experts at Harvard University have been recommending a holistic supplementation of nutrition with all important vitamins and trace elements for years.

What we can do:

The data reflects that there is still room for improvement in our dietary habits. Overall, we eat too little plant-based foods and too much processed food. However, this can be easily changed. By having a nutritious breakfast, a colorful lunch plate, or a plant-based dinner, you are contributing to your micronutrient balance every day. Take a look at which of your meals you can add something "colorful" to or focus on eating a varied meal each day. These small changes already make a significant difference.