Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 8 hrs ago
Many Indians may lack key nutrients despite eating enough
Eating three meals a day or maintaining a healthy weight does not guarantee that the body gets enough vitamins and minerals.
Eating enough is not always the same as being well nourished.
The story focuses on India, where anemia and micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant concern.
NFHS-5 found anemia in 57.2% of non-pregnant women aged 15–49 and 52.2% of pregnant women.
A national survey also found vitamin D and B12 deficiencies among adolescents, while iron deficiency was common.
These gaps can affect overall health, even when people eat enough food.
India has long focused on food security and preventing undernutrition, but micronutrient adequacy is another challenge; the information provided does not say what action comes next.
Eating enough food does not always mean a person gets or absorbs enough vitamins and minerals, Hindustan Times reports.
India continues to face a substantial burden of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, according to Dr Sonali Gokhalay of P&G Health India.
NFHS-5 reported anemia among 57.2% of non-pregnant women aged 15–49 and 52.2% of pregnant women in India.
The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey identified vitamin D and vitamin B12 gaps among adolescents, with iron deficiency common in this age group.
- Who
- People in India, including women and adolescents, may have micronutrient deficiencies.
- What
- Eating enough food may not ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake or absorption.
- When
- The article was published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Adequate food intake does not always provide or support absorption of enough vitamins and minerals.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- NFHS-5
- Anemia affected 57.2% of non-pregnant women aged 15–49 in India
- NFHS-5
- Anemia affected 52.2% of pregnant women in India
- CNNS
- Identified vitamin D and vitamin B12 gaps among adolescents
- CNNS
- Iron deficiency was common among adolescents
- Published
- October 21, 2026
What people are saying
India continues to face a substantial burden of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.