“Hidden hunger is unlike the hunger that comes from a lack of food. It is a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals that often has no visible warning signs, so that people who suffer from it may not even be aware of it. “ Micronutrient Initiative
Micronutrients Are Small.
Micronutrients like iron and vitamin C might already sound familiar to you. Did you know that our bodies are also starving for minerals like copper and iodine?
But Their Impact Is Big.
When you are hungry for micronutrients, you may not get obvious clues like your stomach rumbling. Instead, you may experience other health symptoms that you cannot identify a cause for.
A small dip in micronutrient levels can throw essential processes off balance:
- Copper plays an important role in gene transcription and the functioning of the immune system.
- Iodine is necessary to produce thyroid hormones, which control metabolism and many other essential functions.
- Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, normal taste and smell.
The Hidden Nutrition Crisis
For decades, malnutrition and agricultural experts have warned about what they call the “hidden hunger” – a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals that present serious health issues.
Hidden hunger is mainly used to refer to the life-threatening lack of micronutrients in third world countries. Public health organizations estimate that one in three of the world’s population suffers from “hidden hunger”.
And Not Just In Developing Countries.
But while more severe in the developing world, the concept of “hidden hunger” is becoming increasingly relevant in industrialized countries.
Micronutrient deficiencies may explain unresolved mental and physical health issues in people who have tried numerous other approaches to tackle health challenges.
No Wonder People Are Finally Paying Attention
After decades as a specialist subject for developing world nutritionists, health experts are now starting to realize that the hidden hunger may also concern you.
This has sparked interest in practical solutions to micronutrient deficiency. From supplements, to juice and diet plans, medical researchers, nutritionists and the wider health community are looking at ways to boost our uptake of broad spectrum of micronutrients.
