Health Check: The 7 common nutritional deficiencies in Indians
ProteinsProtein is important for the maintenance of muscle mass. The ideal requirement is 1 gramme of protein for every kg of a person’s body weight. Surveys conducted in the last few years have shown that more than 80 per cent of Indians do not consume the required amount of protein.
Vitamin DVitamin D is required to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphate. Studies have shown that 55 to 90 per cent of people in the country suffer from Vitamin D deficiency.
IronAnaemia, caused by the lack of iron, is a huge public health concern in India. According to studies, 53 per cent of adult women and 23 per cent of adult men suffer from anaemia.
Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red cells, and energy production during carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Some studies have shown deficiency as high as 70-100 per cent in individuals.
FolateFolate deficiency is not as high as compared to vitamin B12 deficiency. But close to 40 to 60 per cent suffer from this.
IodineIodine is necessary for the thyroid to function properly. In one study, where 325 Indian districts were surveyed, 263 districts reported a severe iodine deficiency.
Vitamin ALack of this vitamin can cause weak eyes and even lead to blindness. This vitamin is also known to play an important role in bone health, as it is beneficial for fighting depression.