The silent burden of micronutrient deficiencies in Indian women

In India, an often-overlooked health challenge exists commonly amongst women: widespread micronutrient deficiencies. This silent crisis signifies a critical shortage of essential building blocks for the body, profoundly impacting women’s health, productivity, and crucially, the health trajectory of future generations.

Adequate nutrient intake is fundamental for numerous physiological functions, including robust immune response, cognitive clarity, and successful reproductive outcomes. However, compelling evidence indicates that a significant proportion of Indian women, across all age groups, are not meeting their essential micronutrient requirements.

Beyond iron deficiencies

The magnitude of this issue is substantial. For instance, nearly 60 per cent of teenage girls in India suffer from anaemia (low iron) (NFHS-5), and three out of four Indian women do not consume sufficient dietary iron. Globally, anaemia affects approximately 500 million women aged 15 to 49, with 30 per cent of non-pregnant and 37 per cent of pregnant women being anaemic in 2019. These figures clearly demonstrate that many women enter critical life stages already nutrient-depleted.

Beyond iron, other micronutrient shortages are equally concerning. A recent study found that almost half of women surveyed exhibited low Vitamin B12 levels, even among urban populations. This vitamin is vital for energy metabolism, neurological function, and red blood cell formation.

The critical duo: Vitamin D and calcium

Despite India’s abundant sunshine, a 2023 study revealed that 76 per cent of the overall Indian population, and specifically 75 per cent of women, are Vitamin D deficient. While overall deficiency stands at 1 in 5 Indians, regional variations exist (e.g., 9.4 per cent in North India to 38.8 per cent in the East). What’s particularly alarming is that this deficiency is highest in women under 25 (84 per cent) and remains significantly high in those aged 25-40 (81 per cent). This widespread Vitamin D deficit directly impacts calcium absorption, making calcium deficiency a co-occurring concern.

Calcium is critically important for optimal foetal bone development. Individuals adhering to strict vegan diets or those with lactose intolerance may face challenges in achieving adequate calcium intake, a concern amplified during pregnancy. For calcium to be effectively utilised by the body, sufficient Vitamin D is indispensable. Inadequate maternal calcium and Vitamin D levels during pregnancy can lead to serious health complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, restricted foetal growth, and low birth weight.

Consequences for women and generations

These widespread nutrient shortages have profound implications for women’s health. Beyond the fatigue and cognitive impairment associated with low iron and B12, overall nutrient inadequacy can lead to chronic asthenia, reduced physical capacity, and increased susceptibility to infections. For pregnant women, micronutrient deficiencies carry severe risks, including a higher likelihood of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and impaired foetal neurodevelopment. These problems extend beyond the individual mother; they perpetuate a cycle of poor health that passes from one generation to the next, impacting a child’s development from conception.

Unpacking the causes: A multifaceted challenge

The root causes of this crisis are complex and interconnected. Traditional dietary patterns, while culturally rich, often lack the diversity or quantity of nutrient-dense foods required. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and food insecurity limit access to varied, healthy diets. Cultural practices sometimes influence food distribution within households, potentially disadvantaging women. Furthermore, the immense physiological demands of menstruation, repeated pregnancies, and lactation continuously deplete a woman’s nutrient stores, which are often not adequately replenished. For Vitamin D, factors such as air pollution, increased indoor lifestyles, and the high prevalence of vegetarianism (limiting animal-based Vitamin D sources) also contribute.

This hidden hunger among Indian women represents a significant public health challenge and a critical impediment to the nation’s future prosperity. The sheer numbers, particularly for iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D deficiencies, underscore a widespread problem affecting millions. The effects permeate families for generations, impacting not only the women themselves but also the long-term health and potential of the entire population. Understanding this complex problem is the crucial first step towards developing effective, multi-faceted solutions. Investing in women’s nutrition is an investment in the very fabric of society.

Reference Links: 

1. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease/indias-fight-against-anemia#:~:text=Nourish per cent2C per cent20Prevent per cent2C per cent20Protect,-Posted per cent20On: per cent2018&text=by per cent20PIB per cent20Delhi-,Key per cent20Takeaways:,Abhiyaan per cent20and per cent20School per cent20Health per cent20Program.