Studies Find Major Crops And Global Diets Are Nutrient Deficient

Most of the global population is deficient in one or more nutrients, according to a new study that estimates global dietary micronutrient inadequacies.

In this article, we'll examine the study's findings, consider its limitations, and explain what it means for your bone health. We'll also look at a second study, which provides alarming data about the declining nutritional quality of food crops.

The reduced nutrient value of fresh produce exacerbates the problem of global nutrient deficiency. We'll present solutions—approaches that have long been a key component of the Save Institute's strategy for building strong bones—and show you how to incorporate them into your daily life.

Global Nutrient Deficiencies

A recently-published study in The Lancet estimated the global prevalence of inadequate intake for 15 micronutrients and identified dietary nutrient gaps by age, sex, and country.

First, the researchers developed a set of age and sex-specific nutrient requirements and then applied these to publicly available data from the Global Dietary Database. Their study modeled the median intakes of 15 micronutrients for 34 age and sex groups from 185 countries to estimate the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes for 99.3% of the global population.¹

Although dietary data from individual intake surveys, household surveys, and national food supplies already existed, no study had yet compared these intakes to established nutrient requirements.

For each nutrient listed below, the study estimates major global deficiencies affect between four to five billion people.¹

• Iodine (68% of the global population is deficient)
• Vitamin E (67%)
• Calcium (66%)
• Iron (65%)
• Riboflavin (55%)
• Folate (54%)
• Vitamin C (53%)

Women tended to have more serious inadequacies than men in:

• Iodine
• Vitamin B12
• Iron
• Selenium

Men's nutrient intake was more inadequate in:

• Magnesium
• Vitamin B6
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Thiamine
• Niacin

This study considered only food intake only, excluding the additional nutrients from fortified products or supplements.

This likely means that the reported deficiencies are somewhat lower in regions where fortification and supplementation are common; however, many inadequacies likely persist..¹

Either way, the study shows global diets are failing to provide the nutrients people need to remain healthy.

Synopsis

A study published in the journal Lancet estimated the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes for 99.3% of the global population. Their calculations found that more than half of the world's population eats a diet deficient in seven different essential nutrients.

Agricultural Practices Contribute To Inadequate Nutritional Intake

Our produce has become less nutritious, according to a meta-analysis published in March of 2024 in the journal Food.

The report highlights the ongoing crisis of global nutrient deficiency and identifies changes in agricultural practices as one cause. The meta-analysis reviewed more than 200 studies on food nutrient density and farming practices.

The researchers found that common commercial fruits such as apples, oranges, mangoes, guavas, bananas, and vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes have “lost their nutritional density by up to 25–50% or more during the last 50 to 70 years due to environmental, genetic, and field soil dilution factors.”²

With the exception of phosphorus, the levels of elemental minerals have declined markedly. Iron is 50% lower, copper is down by 49%, and magnesium by 10%.

The researchers outlined the principal causes of the nutrient decline. They include:

• Degradation of the soil in which crops are grown
• Developing new high-yield varieties at the expense of nutrient density
• Agronomic factors associated with the commercialization of agriculture
• The use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to boost food production
• Improvements in irrigation and the advent of affordable technologies
• The introduction of genetically modified food
• Higher levels of air and water pollution
• Climate change
• Thinning of the ozone layer

The researchers also identified effective methods for improving the nutrient density of food crops, including techniques including reviving traditional food varieties, altering soil management practices, adopting organic farming, enhancing soil biodiversity, and improving handling practices. Although these recommendations are primarily aimed at farmers, they offer valuable insights for consumers as well.

Organic farming and growing non-genetically modified (GMO) crops are among researchers' recommendations for producing more nutritious food. As consumers, we can improve the nutritional density of the food we eat by choosing organic and non-GMO produce.

The Save Institute has always recommended consuming organic and non-GMO foods whenever possible. This study reinforces that Savers have been on the right path all along.

Synopsis

A meta-analysis of more than 200 studies has identified significant reductions in the nutrient density of food crops over the past 50 to 70 years. They attribute the decline to farming practices and environmental shifts, including the use of pesticides, the introduction of genetically modified crops, the cultivation of high-yield low-nutrient varieties, and climate change. You can maximize the nutrient density of the foods you eat by choosing organic, non-GMO produce.

Nutritional Inadequacies Underscore The Importance Of Supplementation

The studies above show us that human diets around the globe tend to lack at least a few critical nutrients and that the produce we buy and eat is itself less nutritious than it once was. To overcome these obstacles and ensure adequate nutrition, the Save Institute has always recommended supplementation.

The Foundation Supplements Directory included in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, provides detailed information and instructions on Foundation Supplements, which are the most critical nutrients for building strong bones and living an active and independent life.

Supplementation does not, and cannot, replace a healthy diet. However, even the healthiest diet is likely to contain an uneven combination of nutrients, resulting in some deficiency. By taking natural nutritional supplements like calcium, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, and more, in their proper forms and dosages, you can ensure that you are providing your body with everything it needs to build bone and stay healthy.

Synopsis

Diets around the globe lack at least a few critical nutrients and the produce we consume is itself less nutritious than it once was. Counteract these large-scale crises through daily supplementation. The Foundation Supplements Directory  included in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program provides a comprehensive guide to the Foundation Supplements, which are essential for strong bones and good health.

What This Means To You

Buy organic produce whenever possible, and add supplements to your daily care routine.

The Save Institute makes specific recommendations about the Foundation Supplements in the Foundation Supplements Directory, included in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program alongside information about those nutrients and what to look for when choosing a supplement.

A multi-pronged approach is essential to succeed in the fight for stronger bones. Add nutritional supplements to your bone-building toolkit.

References

¹ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(24)00276-6/fulltext?s=09

² https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969708/