A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health by researchers from Harvard reveals that over half of the global population is consuming inadequate levels of essential micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E. These deficiencies are linked to serious health issues like increased susceptibility to infections, poor pregnancy outcomes, and overall declines in well-being.
The study, which analyzed dietary intake across 185 countries, found that ca 65% of people are deficient in iodine, vitamin E, calcium, and iron. Additionally, over half the population is not getting enough riboflavin, folate, and vitamins C and B6. Women are particularly prone to deficiencies in iron, iodine, and vitamin B12, while men often fall short on calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and B6.
Why Are These Deficiencies So Widespread?
At Loodus BIOSPA, we believe several factors contribute to these global micronutrient deficiencies:
- Poor gut healt. Many people suffer from gut health issues such as inflammation, dysbiosis, or “leaky gut,” which can impair nutrient absorption. Even with a healthy diet, a compromised gut will struggle to absorb essential vitamins and minerals effectively.
- Low-quality nutrition. Modern diets, often rich in processed and nutrient-depleted foods, provide fewer essential nutrients. Even those who strive to eat healthily may not be getting adequate vitamins and minerals, as many foods lose their natural nutrient content during processing or due to poor growing conditions.
- Synthetic and poor-quality supplements. Many supplements on the market are of low quality, using synthetic ingredients that are not bioactive and therefore not easily absorbed by the body. These products may promise essential nutrients but fail to deliver their benefits.
- Environmental toxins. Everyday exposure to pollutants, pesticides, and toxins places an extra burden on the body’s detox systems, such as the liver and kidneys. This added stress can inhibit the body’s ability to process and absorb nutrients properly.
- Stress and lifestyle factors. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and habits like excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption increase the body’s demand for nutrients while simultaneously impeding their absorption. This leads to a constant state of nutrient depletion in many people.
- Age and life stage. As we age, our ability to absorb nutrients decreases. Life stages such as pregnancy or menopause also increase the demand for specific micronutrients, making deficiencies more likely.
What Does This Mean for You?
Simply taking supplements won’t necessarily resolve micronutrient deficiencies. At Loodus BIOSPA, we emphasize two critical factors for improving your nutrient status:
- Absorption matters. The old saying “you are what you eat” is somewhat misleading. In reality, it’s not only about what you consume, but also about your body can digest and absorb. Poor diet and poor gut health can prevent even the best foods and supplements from being fully utilized. That is why we focus on improving gut health in a most effective way – throught detox and fasting programs.
- The choice and quality of supplements. In everyday life, we can often tell the difference between a well-made and poorly made product, like a flimsy laundry clip that breaks the very first time you try to use it. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality supplements. Many supplements on the market are very attractively priced, but use poor quality or synthetic forms that are poorly absorbed. It is also important to know which supplements you actually need, rather than simply assuming that you need them.
We have taken the guesswork out of choosing supplements. We researched the market carefully and offer only the highest quality bioactive supplements that are formulated for optimal absorption. Through personalized diagnostics by integrative medicine expert Dr. Natalia Trofimova, we ensure you have a good understanding of what your body needs and a clear plan for restoring your health.
Explore our selection of supplements
“Global estimation of dietary micronutrient inadequacies: a modeling analysis,” Simone Passarelli, Christopher M. Free, Alon Shepon, Ty Beal, Carolina Batis, Christopher D. Golden, The Lancet Global Health, August 29, 2024, doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00276-6