These nutrients are not being consumed enough by billions of people. Here's how to get them into your diet
2024-09-17 19:42:20
TiranaPost
Nutrients such as iron and calcium are essential for blood and bone health. But more than half of the global population is not eating enough of these and five other nutrients, also essential for health, according to a new study.
More than 5 billion people do not consume enough iodine, vitamin E or calcium, the study recently published in the journal The Lancet Global Health found. And more than 4 billion people have insufficient intake of iron, riboflavin, folate and vitamin C.
Here's a list of why the seven nutrients with the lowest global intake are important and some of the foods they're high in:
1. Calcium
● Important for strong bones and overall health
● Found in dairy products and soy, almond or rice-based alternatives; dark leafy greens; tofu; sardines; salmon; tahini.
2. Speak
● Important in red blood cell formation and cell growth and function, especially during pregnancy
● Found in green vegetables, beans, peas, lentils and whole grains, pasta, rice and whole grains
3. Iodine
● Important for thyroid function and bone and brain development.
● Found in fish, seaweed, shrimp, dairy products, eggs.
4. Iron
● Important for oxygen transport in the body, as well as growth and development
● Found in oysters, duck, beef, sardines, crab, lamb, spinach, artichokes, beans, lentils, and potatoes.
5. Magnesium
● Important for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure and protein production.
● Found in legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables.
6. Niacin
● Important for the nervous and digestive system
● Found in beef, chicken, marinara sauce, turkey, brown rice, pumpkin seeds and salmon.
7. Riboflavin
● Important for metabolizing food for energy, the immune system and healthy skin and hair
● Found in eggs, dairy products, meat, whole grains and green vegetables
