Summary
This paper by Bailey et al., published in Nutrients (2015), reviews evidence on the widespread inadequacy of micronutrient intakes in human populations, highlighting that deficiencies are not confined to low-income settings but are pervasive across diverse economies. The authors likely draw on national dietary survey data to characterise the scale of nutritional gaps for key micronutrients. The paper contributes to understanding how modern dietary patterns fail to meet recommended intakes, with implications for public health and food system design.
UK applicability
Although likely international in scope, the findings are broadly applicable to UK conditions, where national dietary surveys (e.g. NDNS) have similarly identified inadequate intakes of vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and other micronutrients, particularly among adolescents and older adults. UK policymakers and public health bodies may draw on such global reviews to contextualise domestic nutritional challenges.
Key measures
Prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake (%); estimated average requirement (EAR) shortfalls; population-level dietary intake data
Outcomes reported
The paper examines the extent and distribution of micronutrient inadequacies across populations, likely reporting on prevalence estimates for key vitamins and minerals including vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and iron. It assesses the gap between recommended and actual intakes across demographic groups.
Topic tags
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