The Real World Health Consequences Of Trace Mineral Deficiencies
Research continues to uncover the links between deficiencies of trace minerals and a wide range of chronic illnesses, immune dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to infections.
A 2022 comprehensive review of nutritional deficiencies emphasized that micronutrients are crucial for sustaining life. The inadequacy of any component of the metabolic system directly affects both individuals and societies, manifesting as poorer health, reduced work capacity, decreased educational accomplishment, and lower earning potential.
Scope of the Problem
In both industrialized and developing countries, micronutrient deficiencies (as currently known and measured) affect more than 2 billion people of all ages, particularly pregnant women and children under five. Micronutrient deficiencies have been linked with almost 10% of child deaths.
Iron, folate, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A rank among the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide (again, I argue that such a short list is repeatedly emphasized only because we routinely look for and measure their presence or absence).
Studies show that these deficiencies contribute to intellectual impairment, poor growth, perinatal complications, and higher morbidity and mortality. In addition, research associates micronutrient deficiencies with accelerated mitochondrial decay (a big one here) and degenerative diseases of aging..
Hellbound and Down 