While we often associate undeveloped countries with malnutrition, it is the most developed nations in the world like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and The Netherlands making headlines for what researchers are calling “widespread vitamin deficiencies in the population.” Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researcher Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer says that this is the first time that they have been able to use comparative data to more easily identify differences in vitamin deficiencies among various nations. 

The research found that a staggering 75% of the population in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany did not meet the medically recommended levels of some of the 13 most important nutrients in their food intake. 

Vitamin D intake was the biggest red flag. More than 75% of the population of the United States, UK, and Germany failed to meet the daily intake requirements. More than 75% of the population of the United States and United Kingdom also failed to get proper levels of vitamin E. The United States was the only nation who had 75% of the population lacking in vitamin A. 

Lack of proper nutrition of a major problem for these populations. Vitamin D is one that we naturally get from sunlight but obviously it is also one that more than 75% of us need extra supplementation for. Vitamin D supports healthy skin, bones, body processes, and helps other nutrients be absorbed by the body. 

Vitamin E supports neurological health and function, metabolism, and muscle growth. Deficiency can lead to muscle, bone, or metabolic disease. Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, bone health, and skin health. Deficiency is widespread around poorer nations and now in the United States. Low levels of vitamin A can result in complete blindness and other eye problems.