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Study Finds High Prevalence of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes
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Key Takeaways
- Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, are prevalent in individuals with type 2 diabetes, affecting overall health and disease management.
- A pooled analysis of 132 studies found nearly half of T2D patients have multiple micronutrient deficiencies, with vitamin D, magnesium, and iron being most common.
Investigators found that 60% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are vitamin D deficient.
New study findings published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health indicate that a lack of essential vitamins is common among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A low level of vitamin D was the most reported micronutrient deficiency, leading to serious health issues.1,2
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“The treatment of T2D often tends to focus on energy metabolism and macronutrients, but the identification of a higher prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in those affected is a reminder that optimizing overall nutrition should always be a priority,” Shane McAuliffe, visiting senior academic associate, NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, said in a news release.1
According to the World Health Organization, micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small amounts. They contribute to the production of enzymes, hormones, and supplements that are needed for normal growth and development.3
Consuming micronutrient-dense foods like organs, small fish, dark green leafy vegetables, goat, beef, eggs, milk, and lamb could reduce undernutrition.4 However, deficiencies in micronutrients can cause severe health conditions, leading to reductions in energy levels and mental clarity, reduced work productivity, and increased risk of developing other diseases.3
Previous research has demonstrated that micronutrients contribute to the development of T2D, affecting glucose metabolism and insulin signaling pathways.1 Additionally, a systemic review reported an 80.4% prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among individuals with T2D, while another review reported a lower prevalence of 32.7%, according to study authors.2
The researchers conducted a pooled systemic review and meta-analysis to further assess the global prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among individuals with T2D using data from all studies published in 7 major databases between 1998 and 2023. A total of 132 studies were included, involving 52,501 individuals. All studies were hospital-based or community-based, except for 3.1,2
Data from the pooled analysis demonstrated that nearly half of individuals with T2D had multiple micronutrient deficiencies, with a prevalence of 30% to 45%. While the pooled prevalence of deficiencies differed around the world, 40% of individuals with diabetic complications reported to have a micronutrient deficiency.1,2
Further results found that the most common deficiency was vitamin D, with a prevalence of 60.45%, followed by magnesium deficiency at 42% and iron deficiency at 28%. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency also remained high at 29% among individuals taking metformin for T2D. Women were more likely to be impacted by micronutrient deficiencies compared to men, with a prevalence of 49%, according to study authors.1,2
“This systematic review exemplifies the double burden of malnutrition in action, whereby nutritional deficiencies and diet-related non-communicable diseases, such as T2D, co-exist,” McAuliffe discussed.1
However, the study authors noted that the lack of population-based studies prevents comparison with the general population.1,2
“The findings should help to focus research and policy initiatives aimed at furthering our understanding of the causes and effects of these deficiencies and the potential for targeted and tailored interventions,” McAuliffe said in the news release.1
