Over 80% of Indians suffers from micronutrient deficiencies
Malnutrition presents a significant challenge for India’s economic growth, with overweight/obesity, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency all impacting employee wellbeing, productivity, and absenteeism.
WHO defines ‘Micronutrients’ as vitamins and minerals required in very small amounts, (<100 mg/d) that play a vital in the production of hormones, enzymes and other substances that manage growth and development.
A meta-analysis study conducted in India reported that Vitamin D deficiency was the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency at (61 %) followed by iron deficiency at (54 %) and vitamin B12 deficiency at (53 %),respectively. Micronutrient deficiencies can be directly associated to compromised immunity.
Thus, micronutrient deficiencies not only hamper the growth and development of an individual but also weaken the immune system.
