A Pilot Study on the Prevalence of Micronutrient Imbalances in a Dutch General Population Cohort and the Effects of a Digital Lifestyle Program

Nutrients. 2022 Mar 29;14(7):1426. doi: 10.3390/nu14071426.

Abstract

Maintaining an adequate micronutrient status can be achieved by following a complete, diverse diet. Yet, food trends in Western countries show suboptimal consumption of healthy nutrients. In this study, we explored the prevalence of vitamin and mineral imbalances in a general population cohort of Dutch adults and evaluated the effect of a digital lifestyle program on the nutritional status and nutrition health behaviors of these individuals. A micronutrient panel was measured in 348 participants, alongside a dietary assessment. One hundred users subsequently underwent a remeasurement. We identified at least one nutritional imbalance in 301 individuals (86.5%). A total of 80% improved and normalized B6, 67% improved folate, 70% improved B12, and 86% improved vitamin D. Iron abnormalities were corrected in 75% of the participants. In conclusion, this study found that micronutrient deficiencies of easily obtainable vitamins through diet or supplementation such as B vitamins and vitamin D were more prevalent than expected in a Dutch population. This can partly be explained by insufficient consumption of food groups rich in B vitamins. Our preliminary results in those remeasured after a digitally enabled lifestyle intervention show these imbalances can be corrected with adequate behavioral support complemented with supplementation where needed.

Keywords: deficiencies; general population; lifestyle; micronutrients; prevention; screening; vitamins.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prevalence
  • Trace Elements*
  • Vitamin B Complex*
  • Vitamin D

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin D