The hard facts: The Lancet warns, EenVandaag downplays

Disinformation about mineral deficiencies: A critical review of EenVandaag‍

In a recent blog for the TV show One Today it is claimed that concerns about mineral deficiencies in our food are unnecessary. The article suggests that the decline in minerals in food through modern farming practices poses no significant health risks. However, this view, that mineral deficiencies are exaggerated, is misleading and contradicts the findings of large-scale scientific studies, including a recent publication in The Lancet Global Health. while One Today downplaying the problem, scientific evidence points to the contrary: mineral deficiencies are a serious health problem with far-reaching consequences worldwide.

What does EenVandaag say?

In their article, One Today that although the amount of minerals in our food has decreased, this does not pose major health risks. They downplay the situation, stating that the problem is “not worrying” and that we don't have to worry about it. “There are plenty of other substances in our food that are nutritious.”
However, this claim ignores the extent and impact of mineral deficiencies reported by scientists worldwide.

The Lancet Global Health study: an alarming picture

In sharp contrast to the relativistic blog by One Today, offers the recent research in The Lancet Global Health (published on August 29, 2024) a detailed and alarming analysis of global shortages of essential micronutrients.
This study shows that more than 5 billion people are not getting enough important nutrients such as iodine, vitamin E and calcium.
More than 4 billion people are not getting enough iron, riboflavin, folate and vitamin C.
It is the first study to describe and quantify global micronutrient deficiencies on such a large scale, with a specific focus on gender and age groups.
The research shows that billions of people worldwide do not get enough nutrients every day, which has serious consequences for their health and human potential.

Key findings

The Lancet study reveals worrying figures about the inadequate consumption of essential micronutrients:

Iodine: 68% of the world's population does not get enough iodine. This deficiency can lead to cognitive disorders, especially in children, and thyroid problems in adults.

Vitamin E: 67% of people worldwide are deficient in vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and plays a role in the immune system.

Calcium: 66% of the world's population does not get enough calcium, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, especially among the elderly and post-menopausal women.

Iron: 65% of people suffer from iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, and decreased immune function, especially in women of childbearing age.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 55% of people don't get enough riboflavin, a vitamin that is crucial for energy production and healthy skin and eyes.

Folic Acid: 54% get too little folic acid, which can lead to birth defects in the fetus in pregnant women.

Vitamin C: 53% of people are deficient in vitamin C, which leads to a weakened immune system and, in extreme cases, scurvy.

The researchers point out that these shortages vary by region and by population group.
In many cases, women have a higher risk of deficiencies in iron, iodine, vitamin B12, and selenium, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
On the other hand, men are more likely to be deficient in calcium, niacin (Vitamin B3), thiamine (Vitamin B1), zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

About selenium deficiency and heart failure we wrote earlier.

Risks and consequences of mineral deficiencies

The consequences of these shortages are far-reaching and complex. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially minerals such as iron, calcium, and iodine, lead to what is known in public health as “hidden hunger”. This term describes a situation where people may be getting enough calories but are deficient in the essential nutrients needed for healthy development and a strong immune system.

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, for example, which mainly affects women and children. This lowers their energy levels, makes them more susceptible to infections, and reduces their cognitive performance.

Calcium deficiency increases the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis, especially in older people and women after menopause.

Iodine deficiency, one of the most widespread deficits in the world, can lead to serious developmental disorders in children, including mental retardation and growth disorders.

Selenium deficiency, can lead to serious health problems such as heart failure, decreased immune function and muscle weakness, according to studies such as those we also discussed in a earlier blog.

‍The danger of misinformation

The simplistic message of One Today — that mineral deficiencies are not a major problem, and there are plenty of other nutrients — can be harmful, especially because it misleads policy makers, health professionals and the public about the seriousness of the situation. The reality is that “hidden hunger” (a shortage of micronutrients) is a global problem, not only harming the health of billions of people, but also hampering economic and social development.

Global problem

The research in The Lancet shows that mineral deficiencies are a global health problem that goes far beyond what One Today suggests. The effects of these deficiencies, such as increased risk of diseases and cognitive development problems, require immediate attention from policy makers and health organizations. The message of One Today that “concerns are not necessary” ignores this scientific reality and may delay much-needed interventions.

Why does EenVandaag choose to ignore scientific facts?

One Today in their coverage of mineral deficiencies, they deliberately ignore the scientific facts, despite overwhelming evidence from studies such as those published in The Lancet Global Health. While international research clearly shows that billions of people worldwide are facing serious deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, iodine and calcium, choose One Today ensure that these problems are minimized. By mitigating complexity and real health risks, the facts are obscured, and this can lead not only to misinformation to the public, but also to a delay in much-needed policies. It is worrying that the media are downplaying the problem, while research is crystal clear that these deficiencies have far-reaching consequences for public health, especially in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children. Ignoring these scientific facts undermines the urgency needed to address structural health problems and fuels the misunderstanding that our modern diets provide sufficient protection against micronutrient deficiencies.

The full study of You can find The Lancet here. And Eenvandaag's blog? You can find it here. Watch your blood pressure when you read it.

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