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

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.

Micronutrient intakes in the Dutch diet: foods, fortified foods and supplements in a cross sectional study

“…A survey of 400 Dutch children aged 6 months–3 years found iron deficiency in 19% [ 29 ]. Iron deficiency was also seen in 9% of 376 Dutch and migrant elderly [ 30 ] and 4% of healthy adults, with a higher prevalence of iron deficiency in women, in a study of 348 users of a digital lifestyle program [ 31 ]. Thus, the large proportion of inadequate intakes in toddlers is likely to contribute to iron deficiency in toddlers.…”

“…Although there is a lack of data on folate status in the Netherlands, in a study of 348 healthy adults, folate deficiency was found in 14.1% [ 31 ]. No established biomarkers exist for calcium, therefore the impact of low calcium intakes can only be tracked through the prevalence of diseases related to calcium intakes, such as osteoporosis.…”