A landmark scientific review published by The Lancet found that more than half of preschool children and over two-thirds of non-pregnant women of reproductive age worldwide have a micronutrient deficiency. These "shocking findings" expose the true extent of global malnutrition, including but not limited to adults and children in North America.

"The significance of this review cannot be overstated,” said Cynthia Rousselot, IADSA’s Director of Technical & Regulatory Affairs, in a press release. “It indicates that micronutrient deficiencies are more widespread than we originally feared. Malnutrition can result in health and developmental problems and reduced educational outcomes. It is up to all of us to find ways to address this hidden hunger, including better integration of supplement programs into nutrition and health policy.”

The study, led by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Micronutrient Forum (MNF), comes as a wake-up call as micronutrient deficiencies are directly linked to morbidity rates in individuals of all ages. For over three decades, the nutrition community has reported that 2 billion people worldwide are affected by micronutrient deficiencies[1].

Serious consequences can result from micronutrient deficiencies, including a compromised immune system, constrained physical and cognitive development in children, increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, reduced educational outcomes, and limitations on human potential. [3]

According to researchers, increasing the micronutrient intake of the general population through improved diets, fortification of staple foods and condiments, biofortification, and supplementation have been shown to reduce the burden of maternal and child morbidity, impaired neurocognitive development, and mortality. [2]

While many foods accessible in the Western Hemisphere are fortified, children and adults still suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Studies have shown that supplementing a healthy diet with highly bioavailable vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, can decrease the chances of neurocognitive delay as well as mood and mental health disorders in both children and adults.

Not sure where to start? Hardy Nutritionals® micronutrients are the most research-backed in the world and are available in two levels: general health and clinical strength, including the world's most complete prenatal supplement. Both are available without a prescription here.

Sources: 
[1] National strategies for overcoming micronutrient malnutrition. World Health Organization, Geneva1991
[2] Bhutta ZA, Ahmed T, Black RE et al.: What works? Interventions for maternal and child undernutrition and survival. Lancet. 2008; 371: 417-440
[3] https://www.iadsa.org/mind-the-gap/english/micronutrient-deficiencies#intro

About Hardy Nutritionals®

Hardy Nutritionals® multivitamin-mineral products are powered by our proprietary NutraTek™ mineral delivery technology, which combines each mineral with specialized organic molecules—just like nature—to optimize absorption and distribution to body cells. Our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, is widely considered to be the most research-backed micronutrient treatment.