Relationship Between Micronutrient Deficiencies and Chronic Diseases

Introduction

Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, play an essential role in maintaining health and preventing diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), over 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which accounts for approximately 30% of the global population. It is estimated that iron deficiency anemia affects around 1.6 billion people, contributing to maternal deaths and developmental problems in children. Moreover, the lack of micronutrients is linked to 10% of the global disease burden (Black et al., 2013). In this blog, we will explore how these deficiencies can affect health and what can be done to prevent them.

What Are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts to perform a wide range of physiological functions (WHO, 2021). Despite being consumed in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), they play critical roles in maintaining health (Shenkin, 2006).

These nutrients include vitamins and minerals that:

• Regulate essential metabolic processes, such as energy production and enzyme synthesis. For instance, B vitamins act as coenzymes in energy metabolism, facilitating the conversion of nutrients into usable energy (Huskisson et al., 2007).
• Strengthen the immune system, thereby helping to prevent infections and diseases. Micronutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and minerals such as zinc and selenium play crucial roles in maintaining immune function (Tourkochristou et al., 2021).
• Promote the development and maintenance of bones, teeth, skin, and organs. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, while vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis, supporting skin and connective tissues (Medeiros, 2007).
• Support the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Micronutrients like magnesium and copper are critical for nerve transmission and heart function (WHO, 2021).

A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to various health conditions, ranging from anemia to chronic diseases, compromising quality of life (Black et al., 2013).

Below are examples of foods rich in some of the main nutrients.

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver.
• Vitamin C: Present in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, kiwi, and strawberries.
• Vitamin D: Obtained through sunlight exposure and foods such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks, and fortified milk.
• Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and avocados.
• B Complex: Found in meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and whole grains.

Minerals:

• Iron: Found in red meat, beans, lentils, tofu, and dark leafy greens.
• Zinc: Present in seafood, meat, pumpkin seeds, and whole grains.
• Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, spinach, and dark chocolate.
• Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs, and whole grains.
• Calcium: Found in dairy products, dark leafy vegetables (broccoli, kale), and fortified foods (orange juice, plant-based milk).
• Potassium: Found in bananas, potatoes (with skin), avocados, beans, yogurt, and leaf greens (spinach, Swiss chard)

How Do Deficiencies Affect Health?

Micronutrient deficiencies can trigger a range of conditions that negatively affect health:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Low magnesium levels are associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes (Barbagallo & Dominguez, 2015). It is estimated that up to 25% of individuals with type 2 diabetes have magnesium deficiency (Chaudhary et al., 2010).
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Deficiency in omega-3 and vitamin D can elevate inflammation levels, a risk factor for heart diseases (Mozaffarian & Wu, 2011). Studies show that 40% to 75% of the global population is vitamin D deficient (Holick, 2007).
• Cancer: Low selenium levels can reduce the body’s antioxidant capacity, increasing the risk of cellular mutations (Rayman, 2012). In regions with low selenium soil concentration, the incidence of certain cancers is significantly higher.
• Osteoporosis: Lack of calcium and vitamin D directly impacts bone density, leading to fractures and fragility (Holick, 2007). Approximately 8.9 million osteoporotic fractures occur globally each year, many linked to low micronutrient intake (IOF, 2013).
• Musculoskeletal Injuries and Military Readiness: Recent research indicates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries, especially among active populations such as military personnel. Low vitamin D status has been linked to higher incidences of stress fractures, decreased muscle function, and impaired recovery, all of which can compromise military readiness (Fogleman et al., 2022).

Major Deficiencies Worldwide

According to the WHO (2021), iron, vitamin A, and iodine deficiencies are the most common globally. These deficiencies particularly affect food-insecure populations and women of reproductive age (WHO, 2021).

How to Prevent?

Preventing micronutrient deficiencies requires an integrated approach, which includes:

• Balanced Diet: Consuming a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats (National Institute of Health (NIH), 2016).
• Food Fortification: Many countries adopt food fortification as a way to combat deficiencies, such as adding iron and folic acid to flours (Sadighi et al., 2019).
• Supplementation: Recommended for at-risk groups, such as pregnant women or people with chronic conditions that hinder nutrient absorption (WHO, 2021).

Conclusion

Micronutrient deficiencies represent a significant challenge to global health, contributing to the rise of chronic diseases. Through strategies such as nutritional education, food fortification, and improved access to nutrient-rich foods, we can mitigate these impacts and improve the population’s quality of life.

References

Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2015). Magnesium and type 2 diabetes. World Journal of Diabetes, 6(10), 1152–1157. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i10.1152

Black, R. E., Victora, C. G., Walker, S. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Christian, P., de Onis, M., … Maternal and Child Nutrition Study Group. (2013). Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet, 382(9890), 427–451. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60937-X

Chaudhary, D. P., Sharma, R., & Bansal, D. D. (2010). Implications of magnesium deficiency in type 2 diabetes: a review. Biological Trace Element Research, 134(2), 119–129. doi:10.1007/s12011-009-8465-z

Fogleman, S. A., Janney, C., Cialdella-Kam, L., & Flint, J. H. (2022). Vitamin D deficiency in the military: It’s time to act! Military Medicine, 187(5–6), 144–148. doi:10.1093/milmed/usab402

Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266–281. doi:10.1056/NEJMra070553

Huskisson, E., Maggini, S., & Ruf, M. (2007). The role of vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism and well-being. The Journal of International Medical Research, 35(3), 277–289. doi:10.1177/147323000703500301

IOF. (2013). Bone care for the postmenopausal woman. Retrieved January 19, 2025, from https://share.osteoporosis.foundation/WOD/2013/thematic-report/WOD13-Report.pdf

Medeiros, D. M. (2007). Dietary reference intakes: The essential guide to nutrient requirements edited by JJ Otten, JP Hellwig, and LD Meyers, 2006, 560 pages, hardcover, $44.96. The national academies press, Washington, DC. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(3), 924. doi:10.1093/ajcn/85.3.924

Mozaffarian, D., & Wu, J. H. Y. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(20), 2047–2067. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2011.06.063

National Institute of Health (NIH). (2016, March 2). New dietary guidelines urge Americans to eat less added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.  https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2016/new-dietary-guidelines-urge-americans-eat-less-added-sugars-saturated-fat-and-sodium

Rayman, M. P. (2012). Selenium and human health. Lancet, 379(9822), 1256–1268. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61452-9

Sadighi, J., Nedjat, S., & Rostami, R. (2019). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of iron-fortified flour on iron status of populations worldwide. Public Health Nutrition, 22(18), 3465–3484. doi:10.1017/S1368980019002179

Shenkin, A. (2006). The key role of micronutrients. Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 25(1), 1–13. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2005.11.006

Tourkochristou, E., Triantos, C., & Mouzaki, A. (2021). The influence of nutritional factors on immunological outcomes. Frontiers in Immunology, 12, 665968. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.665968

World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Micronutrients. https://www.who.int/health-topics/micronutrients