What if our stomachs were full, but our bodies still went hungry?

And what if we didn't even realise this was a problem?

Millions of people in India and around the world suffers from this hidden hunger - the silent deprivation of essential micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals, that our bodies need to function properly.

What's worse, we often misattribute our exhaustion, fatigue, or inability to concentrate to a poor night’s sleep or the stress of a busy day. But the truth is micronutrients deficiencies can seriously affect our health and well-being, in more ways than we can imagine.

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How Do Micronutrients Impact Your Health?

Although micronutrients - vitamins and minerals - are required in small quantities, they play an enormous role in our physical and cognitive development. They are essential for everything from maintaining energy levels to supporting brain function, immune response, and even our mental well-being.

  • Iron is crucial for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A lack of iron can lead to anaemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function.
  • Zinc is vital for immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc deficiency can increase susceptibility to infections.
  • Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and reproduction. Deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness and increase the risk of maternal and child mortality.
  • Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and repair. A deficiency in folate can cause severe birth defects during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin D is key for calcium absorption and bone health. A deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, causing bone pain and muscle weakness.
  • Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production and protein synthesis. Magnesium deficiency can result in muscle cramps, mental health issues, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Micronutrient deficiencies, collectively known as hidden hunger, don't just cause individual health issues - they have far-reaching effects on societal and economic well-being, contributing to intergenerational cycles of malnutrition and poverty.

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Fact 1

An estimated one-third of the 2 billion micronutrient-deficient individuals globally are Indians.

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Fact 2

More than half of the Indian population across all age groups consumes less than 50% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for essential micronutrients.

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Fact 3

India loses over USD 12 billion in GDP annually due to micronutrient deficiencies.

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Fact 4

Hidden hunger fuels the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and poverty, hindering both social and economic progress.

Take Action on Hidden Hunger

The good news is that hidden hunger is preventable and treatable. By taking decisive action now, we can protect our health, break the cycle of malnutrition, and contribute to a stronger, healthier future for all.

Three ways to fight hidden hunger:

Diet Diversity

Incorporating a variety of foods into your diet ensures that you receive a wide range of essential nutrients. Diversify your plate with fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and proteins to cover your micronutrient bases.

Fortification

Support and choose fortified foods - those enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. From fortified cereals to iodized salt, these foods help bridge the nutritional gap in your daily diet.

Supplementation

In cases where diet alone isn't enough, supplementation provides a vital boost. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin D supplements are crucial for those at risk of deficiencies, particularly women and children.
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Help Us Spread The Word

Join Our #IgnoreMatKaro Campaign

Help us fight hidden hunger throughout September by spreading awareness. Share the message, educate others, and encourage healthier eating habits. Together, we can make a difference.

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