Prevention and correction of micronutrient deficiencies. What do we know about it?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies of vitamins and microelements, are a major public health concern worldwide. They are highly prevalent, particularly in developing countries, and have significant health consequences, including anemia, impaired immune function, cognitive impairment, and growth retardation. Micronutrient deficiencies can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Micronutrient deficiencies can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases. AIM: To study the knowledge, interest and motivation of different population groups regarding vitamin and micronutrient intake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The original questionnaire with 45 questions was completed by 344 respondents: 141 (41%) without medical education, 91 (25.4%) with higher medical education, 112 (32.6%) by students of medical unvesities. RESULTS: Only 100 (29.4%) respondents considered their nutrition balanced. 180 (52.3%) people did not consume vegetables and fruits on a daily basis, 82 (23.3%) respondents almost never consumed fish and seafood. Almost all respondents [335 (97.4%)] took some vitamin and mineral complex at least in one of the periods of their life, 284 (82.6%) — did it without a doctor’s prescription. Female respondents demonstrated a higher level of knowledge about the problem under study: 115 (41.9%) women and only 17 (24.2%) men had checked vitamin D levels (p = 0.006), while 187 (68.2%) women and only 33 (47.1%) men had taken vitamin D (p = 0.006). Those receiving/having higher medical education were more likely to take vitamin D (4.4 times), vitamin B6 (3.8 times), selenium (3 times), and zinc (2.8 times) than non-medical respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The nature of nutrition indicates potential risks of micronutrient imbalance in the respondents. Knowledge about the problem of micronutrient imbalances among the study participants is not systematized. Men and people without medical education have less knowledge on this topic and are less likely to take various micronutrients.