Micronutrient Deficiencies Research Articles

HUMAN HEALTH AND IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

In addition to maintaining normal physical processes, nutrition also promotes growth and development and lowers the risk of chronic illnesses. It is necessary for optimum health and vigour that we get a diet rich in essential nutrients and well-balanced. Nutritious food can enhance physical and mental potential. Macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients are the two main categories of nutrients found in a diet. Diet is an important contributor to human health, and public health bodies are issuing guidelines aimed at favouring healthy food choices. Low food intake and infections are the immediate causes of malnutrition. Many countries struggle with malnutrition or caloric deficits, while others encounter difficulties with caloric overconsumption and micronutrient deficiencies. A multitude of factors contribute to this global problem. Considering the health challenges facing our world population, the need is clear for continually improving recommendations and strategies to promote human health. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the functions of different nutrients, the conditions caused by their deficiency, the components of a healthy diet, and the complications of different types of malnutrition. A lot of research is being done, and new findings are published every day to increase our knowledge about food and nutrition and to find ways to apply this knowledge in choosing the right foods to eat so that our body is well nourished and healthy. For the maintenance of health and growth and to develop greater resistance against infections, one must consume balanced food that contains all the nutrients in the correct proportion.

Effects of dietary intake on cognitive skills of physically challenged children.

Objective: To determine how a child’s dietary intake affected their growth and cognitive skills when physically challenged in Faisalabad City, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Tanzeem ul Lisan, the Government Special Education Center, Al Faisal Markaz e Nabina, and Government National Special Education Center. Period: January 2023 to December 2023. Method: One hundred special children were selected randomly, face-to-face interviews were conducted, and collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Indicated that male participants aged 10 to 15 years were prominent, whereas 20% each had ADHD, autism, blindness, and deafness. Many participants maintain an active or very active lifestyle despite a significant portion not engaging in regular exercise. Preference for home-cooked meals, moderate consumption of dietary supplements, variation in water intake, and frequency of eating out were found. Respondents' Common issues include difficulty making decisions, remembering personal information, and learning new content. Based on the results, cognitive training programs are recommended to increase awareness among children and their families. Conclusion: In the nutshell, results concluded that dietary intake of special children were associated with physical growth and cognitive skills. Majority of the children were not following normal dietary pattern and the chances of micronutrient deficiencies was higher. Results showed that socioeconomic conditions, type of disorder/ disability, low education of parents, awareness about good nutrition were significantly associated with healthy eating habits and physical growth of special children.

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment. Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice–berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

407. MICRONUTRIENT INSUFFICIENCY AFTER SURGERY FOR OESOPHAGOGASTRIC NEOPLASMS: A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTION STUDY CALLED THE VITAMIN STUDY

Abstract Background Oesophageal and gastric cancer have major impact on nutritional status and quality of life (QoL). Preoperative malnutrition is reported in 42–80%. However, studies investigating postoperative nutritional status are scarce and postoperative identification and treatment of micronutritional deficiencies are currently lacking in (inter-)national guidelines. The aim of this study is to identify micronutrient deficiencies after surgery for oesophagogastric neoplasms and target them by supplementation. Methods This is a recently closed multicenter trial in the Netherlands. Patients receive a tailormade multivitamin supplement which differs per group and a calcium supplement. Baseline measurements consist of blood withdrawal, faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) analysis, QoL questionnaires and dietary behaviour. After 6 (T=1), 12 (T=2) and 24 (T=3) months from baseline, measurements are repeated, and a supplement questionnaire is added. The primary objective is micronutrient deficiency (yes/no). Secondary objectives include occurrence and symptoms of exocrine pancreas insufficiency (EPI) and QoL. Results Inclusion spanned from December 2021 to December 2023. Preliminary results from 95 patients are available, whereby 68 patients underwent oesophagectomy and 27 gastrectomy. Of these, 55 patients received 6 months of supplementation (T=1). At T=0, 77.0% had at least one micronutrient deficiency. Identified deficiencies are shown in table 1. Deficiencies were more common in patients undergoing gastrectomy compared to those undergoing oesophagectomy (88.0% vs. 72.1%). Reduced FE-1 (<200 mg/kg) was found in 22.2% at baseline and 26.7% at T=1. 16.7% experienced EPI symptoms at baseline, which resolved at follow-up. Conclusion The most common micronutrient deficiencies decreased substantially after 6 months of supplementation. The follow-up extends until November 2024. Routine monitoring and supplementation could potentially be implemented in standard postoperative care for gastric and oesophageal cancer.

215. MALNUTRITION AND VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES AFTER ONCOLOGICAL GASTRIC OR ESOPHAGEAL RESECTION

Abstract Background Patients receiving oncological esophagectomy or gastrectomy are known to be at high risk for vitamin and micronutrient deficiency before, during and after surgery. However, there are no clear guidelines for these cancer patients regarding postoperative vitamin supplementation. preoperative malnutrition has been shown to be associated with a higher risk of perioperative complications. In addition, malnutrition has shown to be an independent risk factor for reduced survival in cancer patients and early cancer recurrence. Methods This meta-analysis examines the prevalence of postoperative malnutrition, vitamin, and micronutrient deficiencies in patients who underwent gastrectomy or esophagectomy. A computer-based literature search was performed in several different databases with the The following search terms were used: vitamin, nutrition, deficienc*, malnutrition, osteoporos*, sarcopenia, esophagectom*, oesophagectom*, gastrectomy*, gastric, surg*, resect*, operat*, removal, excision, neoplas*, tumor, tumour, cancer, malign*adenocarcinom* squamous cell carcinom*. Out of 1611 studies, 42 documented relevant information, but only 17 provided 95% confidence intervals. After excluding seven studies due to insufficient data, the meta-analysis included 947 patients from 10 studies. Results The studies recorded vitamin and micronutrient blood levels from 3 months to 10 years post-surgery. The analysis found significant deficiencies in 25-OH Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, and Serum Calcium levels. Patients had significantly lower Vitamin D3 levels compared to the healthy population, with mean levels in the lower normal range or lower. Serum Calcium levels were also significantly lower than the mean levels of the healthy population but stayed within the normal range. Mean Serum B12 levels were significantly lower than mean B12 levels in the standard population, but standard deviations stayed within the normal range. Serum albumin levels showed no signs of deficiency when compared to the healthy population. Similarly, no deficiency was detected in serum ferritin levels. Other vitamins and micronutrients studies included serum phosphorous, Vitamin A and Vitamin E, but data was insufficient for metanalysis. Discussion The study underscores the need for further research and guidelines to address postoperative nutritional deficiencies in these patients. Particularly, patients often develop a deficiency in Vitamin D3 after surgery, despite supplementation. Vitamin D3 insufficiency may increase perioperative risk and is concerning given the reduced calcium levels and bone marrow density. In conclusion there is a clear need for Vitamin D3 supplementation, both postoperatively and during the perioperative period. The study supports previous data indicating a high prevalence of postoperative micronutrient deficiency in esophagectomy patients. Given the high risk of malnutrition, screening should be a routine part of follow-up care. More data, particularly regarding deficiencies and supplementation after esophagectomy, is necessary.

Impact on Incorporation of Purple Yam Flour (Dioscorea alata var. Purpurea) in Development of Multigrain Nutri-Bar

Consumption of wholesome and healthy diet is the most effective way to combat protein-energy malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. Present study was carried out to develop a nourishing and cost effective nutri-bar from selected locally available yams, cereals, legumes and oil seeds. Incorporation of purple yam flour at 20% (F1), 15% (F2) and 10% (F3) was performed with changing only the ratio of processed rice flour.The highest mean rank scores for all tested sensory properties of appearance, taste, texture, aroma and overall acceptability were observed in F1. Proximate composition of ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate and calorie contents of products ranged 1.26-1.37%, 11.20-12.02%, 6.57-7.29%, 2.69-3.58%, 73.28-73.41% and 397.57 - 406.81 kcal/100g respectively. The highest values for total sugar, crude-fibre, potassium, sodium, calcium were recorded in F1 with 20.06±0.12%, 3.55±0.08%, 3903±2.8mg/kg, 396.50±10.60mg/kg, 305.00±29.70mg/kg respectively. F1 had the highest TPC- 4.120 mg GAE/g, TFC- 0.179 mg QE/g, anthocyanin content- 0.225 mg/g and antioxidant potential through DPPH assay- 3.142 mg TE/g followed by F2 and F3. The anthocyanin content of three formulas showed significantly positive correlation with antioxidant capacity (r =1.00, p<0.05). In conclusion, nutri-bars are the excellent source of nutrients supplements especially for undernourished population.

Preoperative Micronutrient Repletion Strategies in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review

BackgroundEvidence is lacking to inform how micronutrient deficiencies should be prevented and treated before metabolic-bariatric surgery to optimize patient outcomes. ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to examine the effect of preoperative repletion strategies for micronutrient deficiencies on micronutrient biochemistry, quality of life, and complication rates among candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery compared with usual care, alternate strategies, or no treatment. MethodsPubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL was searched in April 2024. A grey literature search was updated in April 2024 via Google search. Eligible observational and interventional studies were those that provided micronutrient repletion before the surgery and measured micronutrient status pre- and/or postsurgery. Studies with participants who were pregnant, lactating, or elected jejunocolic bypass, jejunoileal bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty, and biliopancreatic diversion were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Findings were narratively synthesized and the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations was adopted when applicable. Twenty studies (n = 27 groups) were included (n = 15 observational; n = 5 interventional). ResultsStrategies targeted vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, C, thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc, including chronic dosing of oral supplements and multivitamins (n = 21), megadoses of oral supplements (n = 1), intramuscular injection (n = 1), intravenous infusion (n = 1), and a mix of injection and oral supplements (n = 3). Preoperative repletion strategies varied in efficacy. Chronic dosing of oral supplements increased vitamin D levels (n = 4 interventional studies; Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations rating: moderate). Multivitamins did not improve vitamin B12 status but improved status of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate. Iron infusion (n = 1) increased ferritin levels, despite small sample size and low adherence rate, whereas oral iron supplementation resulted in unchanged (n = 4) or decreased (n = 1) ferritin levels. ConclusionsProactive and personalized micronutrient repletion schedules may decrease the risk of preoperative and early postoperative deficiency.

Prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with double and triple burden of malnutrition among mother-child pairs in India: Findings from a nationally representative survey (NFHS-5)

IntroductionImproper consumption of food leads to various forms of malnutrition such as undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. The coexistence of various malnutrition forms in the same household is a public health concern in developing countries. Very little research has been done on exploring the burden and risk factors associated with double (DBM) and triple burden of malnutrition (TBM). MethodsSecondary analysis was done using data from India's National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-21. Mothers and under-five children were paired at the household level as a unit of analysis. DBM and TBM were interpreted from children's height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age and anaemia status and mothers' body-mass-index. Stratification and clustering in the sample design were accounted for during the analysis in STATA v14.2. DBM and TBM were summarized as weighted proportions with 95 % confidence interval (CI) and the risk factors associated were reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95%CI using mixed effects logistic regression. ResultsWe included 167,380 mother-child pairs for analysis. In India, the prevalence of DBM was 7.7 % (95 % CI: 7.5–7.9 %) and TBM was 5.1 % (5.0–5.3 %) at the household level among mother-child dyads. Mothers' age, age at first birth, educational levels, current breastfeeding habits, mode of delivery, child's age, gender, twin birth, birth weight, geographical region, residence, caste and religion, and wealth index were associated with both DBM and TBM. ConclusionBoth DBM and TBM are public health concerns in India. Thus, scaling-up of health intervention, effective implementation of nutritional programmes and life-course approach are needed to control malnutrition.

Using Mine Tailings as a Soil Improver to Reduce Micronutrient Deficiencies in Wheat Crops, Western Morocco

Using Mine Tailings as a Soil Improver to Reduce Micronutrient Deficiencies in Wheat Crops, Western Morocco

Zero Hunger by 2030 - SDG 2 We are off target, AGAIN

According to the just released report, the world is still off target when it comes to meeting SDG 2, zero hunger. Hunger affects 1/5 in Africa, 1/11 globally, is on the rise in Africa, remains the same in Asia, while notable progress is being made in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is noted that fewer and fewer people are able to afford a heathy diet, a diet that is diverse in form and nutrients. Obesity is on the rise globally and in some population groups which did not know of it before, mainly because of poor food choices and also adopting foreign dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles. Anaemia in women is on the rise, meaning their reproductive health and that of their offsprings are affected. The report does not paint a good picture for Africa as it reveals a slow reduction in stunting and wasting. It shows a continent that has been slow to recover from negative COVID impacts. "Financing to End Hunger, Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in All its Forms" is the theme. It is noted that only 25% of ODA (Overseas Development Assistance) goes towards financing food and nutrition programs. Clearly, this needs to be improved, especially following the many pledges that have been made this far. The realization continues to be that serious political will is needed to be able to achieve this. The question is: who is supposed to demonstrate this political will? As I have written before, we have had many global and regional meetings, all addressing world hunger, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiency. In this report, there is a call to many to do more: donors, both corporate and individual; Governments need to commit more, why? Sovereign nations need to grow their economies in order to serve their people, in order for their countries to participate equitably in building and promoting the world economy. I have enjoyed watching the 2024 Olympics in Paris. In a short span of three weeks, we have seen the best sports competition ever. We see pure human talent. I was a sports nut in my youth but never heard of the Olympics until I was a lot older. It is one thing to have talent, and it is another to have access to showcase it and use it to God's glory, and to encourage others. The report at hand is on how to find resources to finance food and nutrition and poverty eradication programs. Look, without a fairly decent life, no one can make it to the Olympics. How proud I feel when I see the Kenyan Flag on the podium, and the National anthem played all because a Kenyan has won a bronze, a silver or a gold. This time around there were countries receiving their first medal ever, ever since the Games started in 1776 at Olympia in southern Greece and revived in 1896. Some of the athletes come from fairly disadvantaged environments, practice poorly and do not even have coaches let alone experts on programming or diet. What if they had exactly what is needed to make an excellent athlete? Or even half of it? And diet is huge in this case. An athlete needs to build good muscle and to learn how to release energy depending on the sport. Should we not prioritize and adequately fund food and nutrition programs in order to give everyone an equal chance of achieving a healthy body? This report was emphasizing how far off target we are from meeting SDG 2, Zero hunger. We need political will, at all levels. Let us work on it.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA ANEMIA DAN INDEKS MASA TUBUH IBU HAMIL TERHADAP KEJADIAN STUNTING PADA ANAK: LITERATURE REVIEW

There are many factors that cause stunting, including anemia. Pregnant women who experience anemia have a reduced oxygen supply to their body cells and brain. In general, anemia in pregnant women is caused by a lack of nutrition, a lack of iron in the food consumed, poor absorption, and chronic diseases (such as tuberculosis, lung, intestinal worms, and malaria). The body mass index of pregnant women is another cause of stunting. Mothers who are short (height <150 cm) and thin (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2) have a greater risk of birthing stunting babies than mothers who have good nutritional status. In addition to macronutrient problems, micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women need attention. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between anaemia and body mass index of pregnant women on the incidence of stunting in children, through a literature review. We used the literature review method with 15 journals, 10 international journals, and 5 national journals. The literature review analysis revealed a correlation between anaemia and body mass index in pregnant women and the incidence of stunting. The condition of anaemia in the mother during pregnancy will affect the metabolism of the foetus to be not optimal because there is a lack of haemoglobin levels to bind oxygen so that the adequacy of nutritional intake while in the womb is low and has an impact on foetal growth, which results in low birth weight and length. There is a relationship between anemia and pregnant women's body mass index in terms of stunting incidence.

Insights into student perspectives regarding food fortification in a private medical and engineering college, Bhubaneswar, Odisha: a qualitative study

Food fortification is a crucial public health intervention aimed at addressing nutrient deficiencies and improving overall health outcomes. There is need in diet enhancement as macronutrient and micronutrient deficiency can lead to malnutrition in the long run. Young adults are the budding future of the community and their perception on food fortification and its adaptation can help the policy makers to generate better ways to implement it. This review article presents findings from a qualitative exploration of awareness regarding food fortification among students in a private college in Bhubaneswar, Odisha through an academic program. Through focus group discussions (FGDs), we investigated students' (medical and engineering) understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of food fortification. Among the medical students, 50% were aware about food fortification, 40% were in favour of it and only 10% had misconception regarding food fortification. Whereas, among the engineering students, 72.2% were aware, 45.45% were in favour and none had any misconception or myth related to food fortification. To create awareness and promote fortified food, engineering students suggested better ideas than medical students. This analysis revealed insights into perceptions, knowledge gaps, and potential strategies for enhancing awareness and promoting the adoption of fortified foods.

Multiomics: Functional Molecular Biomarkers of Micronutrients for Public Health Application.

Adequate micronutrient intake and status are global public health goals. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are widespread and known to impair health and survival across the life stages. However, knowledge of molecular effects, metabolic pathways, biological responses to variation in micronutrient nutriture, and abilities to assess populations for micronutrient deficiencies and their pathology remain lacking. Rapidly evolving methodological capabilities in genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics offer unparalleled opportunities for the nutrition research community to link micronutrient exposure to cellular health; discover new, arguably essential micronutrients of microbial origin; and integrate methods of molecular biology, epidemiology, and intervention trials to develop novel approaches to assess and prevent micronutrient deficiencies in populations. In this review article, we offer new terminology to specify nutritional application of multiomic approaches and encourage collaboration across the basic to public health sciences to advance micronutrient deficiency prevention.

Interactions of Nutrition and Infection: The Role of Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Immune Response to Pathogens and Implications for Child Health.

Approximately five million children die each year from preventable causes, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and malaria. Roughly half of those deaths are attributable to undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). The influence of infection on micronutrient status is well established: The inflammatory response to pathogens triggers anorexia, while pathogens and the immune response can both alter nutrient absorption and cause nutrient losses. We review the roles of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and selenium in the immune system, which act in the regulation of molecular- or cellular-level host defenses, directly affecting pathogens or protecting against oxidative stress or inflammation. We further summarize high-quality evidence regarding the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between MNDs, pathogens, and morbidity or mortality relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries. We conclude with a discussion of gaps in the literature and future directions for multidisciplinary research on the interactions of MNDs, infection, and inflammation.

Recommendations on the surveillance and supplementation of vitamins and minerals for upper gastrointestinal cancer survivors: a scoping review.

Early-stage upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer patients, after surgery, have altered gastrointestinal functions, compromising their nutritional status and health outcomes. Nutritional care provision to UGI survivors rarely focuses on long-term survivorship. Here, we explore recommendations for surveillance of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation for UGI cancer survivors after surgery. A scoping review, based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Six databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and PsycINFO) and 21 cancer-related organisation websites were searched. Publications between 2010 and March 2024 with recommendations aimed at adult UGI cancer (oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic, small bowel, and biliary tract) survivors were included. Twenty-six publications met the selection criteria: 11 reviews (8 narrative reviews, 2 systematic, 1 meta-analysis), 7 expert opinions, 6 guidelines, and 2 consensus papers. Twenty-two publications recommended monitoring of micronutrient deficiencies, and 23 suggested supplementation, with 8 lacking details. Most were targeted at patients with gastric cancer (n = 19), followed by pancreatic cancer (n = 7) and oesophageal cancer (n = 3) with none for biliary tract and small bowel cancers. Vitamin B12 and iron were the most consistently recommended micronutrients across the three tumour groups. Limited publications recommend surveillance of micronutrient status in UGI cancer survivors during the survivorship phase, especially for oesophageal and pancreatic cancer survivors; most were narrative reviews. These recommendations lacked details, and information was inconsistent. Long-term UGI cancer survivors are at risk of micronutrient deficiency after surgery. A standardised approach to prevent, monitor, and treat micronutrient deficiencies is needed.

Nutritional Challenges and Treatment After Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery is an important weight loss tool in individuals with severe obesity. It is currently the most effective long-term weight loss treatment that lowers obesity-related comorbidities. It also has significant physiological and nutritional consequences that can result in gastrointestinal complications and micronutrient deficiencies. After gastric bypass, clinical events that negatively affect nutritional status include malabsorption, dumping syndrome, kidney stones, altered intestinal bile acid availability, bowel obstruction, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and bacterial overgrowth. Risk factors for poor nutritional status and excessive loss of lean body mass and bone include reduced dietary quality and inadequate intake, altered nutrient absorption, and poor patient compliance with nutrient supplementation. There are unique concerns in adolescents, older individuals, and individuals who become pregnant postoperatively. With careful management, health-care professionals can assist with long-term weight loss success and minimize the risk of acute and long-term nutrition complications after bariatric surgery.

Global estimation of dietary micronutrient inadequacies: a modelling analysis

Inadequate micronutrient intakes and related deficiencies are a major challenge to global public health. Analyses over the past 10 years have assessed global micronutrient deficiencies and inadequate nutrient supplies, but there have been no global estimates of inadequate micronutrient intakes. We aimed to estimate the global prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes for 15 essential micronutrients and to identify dietary nutrient gaps in specific demographic groups and countries. In this modelling analysis, we adopted a novel approach to estimating micronutrient intake, which accounts for the shape of a population's nutrient intake distribution and is based on dietary intake data from 31 countries. Using a globally harmonised set of age-specific and sex-specific nutrient requirements, we then applied these distributions to publicly available data from the Global Dietary Database on modelled median intakes of 15 micronutrients for 34 age-sex groups from 185 countries, to estimate the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes for 99·3% of the global population. On the basis of estimates of nutrient intake from food (excluding fortification and supplementation), more than 5 billion people do not consume enough iodine (68% of the global population), vitamin E (67%), and calcium (66%). More than 4 billion people do not consume enough iron (65%), riboflavin (55%), folate (54%), and vitamin C (53%). Within the same country and age groups, estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than for men for iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium and higher for men than for women for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin. To our knowledge, this analysis provides the first global estimates of inadequate micronutrient intakes using dietary intake data, highlighting highly prevalent gaps across nutrients and variability by sex. These results can be used by public health practitioners to target populations in need of intervention. The National Institutes of Health and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prevalence and Correlates of Double and Triple Burden of Malnutrition Among Children and Adolescents in India: The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey

BackgroundLimited information on the co-prevalence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overnutrition, and abnormal levels of noncommunicable disease biomarkers at the same time in children and adolescents in India hinders efforts to comprehensively address their health. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of double burden of malnutrition (DBM) and triple burden of malnutrition (TBM) among children and adolescents (5–19 y) to inform policies and programs. MethodsA total of 17,599 children (5–9 y) and 16,184 adolescents (10–19 y) with available biomarker data from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey were included. Malnutrition was defined based on either undernutrition based on anthropometry, overnutrition/abnormal metabolic markers, and anemia/micronutrient deficiency. DBM was defined as the coexistence of any 2 forms of malnutrition. DBM+ was defined as the coexistence of undernutrition and/or micronutrient deficiency along with overnutrition. TBM was defined as having the coexistence of all 3 forms of malnutrition. The prevalence of DBM, DBM+, and TBM was estimated accounting for probabilistic selection. We used mixed-effect binomial regression to determine correlates of DBM/TBM in children and adolescents separately. ResultsThe prevalence of DBM, DBM+, and TBM was 50.8%, 37.2%, and 14.4%, respectively, in children and 53.4%, 36.1%, and 12.7%, respectively, in adolescents. The prevalence of DBM+ was significantly higher in girls compared to in boys in the 5–9 y age group. In children, being in a disadvantaged caste group, having a lower wealth index, having inadequate diet diversity, having no maternal schooling, and having a recent history of acute illness were associated with DBM. In adolescents, being in a disadvantaged caste group, maternal occupation, and lower paternal age were correlated with DBM. A similar set of variables was associated with TBM in both age groups. ConclusionsThe prevalence of DBM and TBM is substantial in children and adolescents in India and varies across states. Socioeconomic factors and acute illness were the main correlates for DBM and TBM.

Effect of zinc in absence and presence of limestone on soybean grown in three different soil types

Liming is essential for enhancing economic viability and increasing crop production in acidic soil in tropical and subtropical regions. However, continuous limestone application has been associated with cationic micronutrient deficiency, including zinc (Zn). In an experiment under greenhouse conditions using three soils of different textural classes (Typic Alfisol, Typic Oxisol, and Typic Entisol), we evaluated the growth of soybean after fertilization with limestone and Zn. We applied dolomitic limestone at two rates (equivalent to 0 and 5.0 Mg ha−1) and Zn at four rates (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg−1), each with four replicates. These three soil types exhibited distinct nutrient availability. Liming significantly altered soil chemical attributes, particularly causing considerable reduction in Zn availability in Typic Alfisol. Furthermore, liming led to a reduction in Zn concentration in soybean leaves and grains in all the three soil types. Grain yield (GY) increased in the presence of liming, and yield was further enhanced with increasing Zn concentrations. Positive effect was also seen on photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (g s), and leaf N, Ca, and Zn concentrations, except on P concentration. Even with adequate nutrient concentrations and limestone application, sandy soils had a lower GY.

Serum Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Migraine Presenting to PEMH, Pakistan: A Case-Control Study

Background: Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches of varying intensity and duration. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, have been implicated in migraine pathogenesis.Objective: This study aimed to assess serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium in migraine patients compared to healthy controls.Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, involving 180 participants, divided equally into migraine cases and healthy controls. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence, while calcium and magnesium levels were determined using photometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with p-values <0.05 considered significant.Results: Migraine patients had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D (18.2 ± 5.6 ng/mL vs. 28.4 ± 6.2 ng/mL, p<0.001), calcium (8.7 ± 0.6 mg/dL vs. 9.2 ± 0.5 mg/dL, p=0.013), and magnesium (1.8 ± 0.2 mg/dL vs. 1.9 ± 0.3 mg/dL, p=0.025). Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between higher levels of these nutrients and reduced migraine risk.Conclusion: Lower serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are associated with an increased risk and severity of migraines, suggesting potential targets for preventive and therapeutic strategies.