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As record heat waves continue, the nutritional status of Koreans is showing a worsening trend
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s “2024 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey” released on the 4th, 16.7% of the population were found to have insufficient nutrient intake and 15.7% had excessive energy intake, with about one in three Koreans in a state of nutritional imbalance
The loss of appetite caused by the heat is aggravating this problem in particular. As the weather grows hotter, cases of replacing meals with ice cream or beverages are increasing, sharply reducing the intake of basic nutrients
Experts point out that summer nutrition management goes beyond a simple health issue and affects overall bodily function. In particular, mineral loss through sweating is cited as the biggest problem in summer. When large amounts of sweat are released in the heat, essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, sodium, potassium and magnesium are excreted along with it. If these components are not sufficiently replenished, they manifest in various symptoms including reduced muscle strength, increased fatigue and weakened immunity, according to the explanation.
“As minerals are lost along with the body’s water, it becomes difficult to maintain physical homeostasis,” said Baek Su-a, a professor of family medicine at Seoul National <a href="https://healthylife7.com/cbess-program-high-school-students-visit-university-of-nevada-reno/” title=”CBESS program high school students visit University of Nevada, Reno”>University Bundang Hospital. “You need to pay attention to replenishing minerals with foods rich in calcium, zinc and iron.”
A more fundamental concern is the chronic micronutrient deficiency among Koreans. According to an analysis of adults (aged 19 to 49) in the Asia-Pacific region including Korea, the proportion of the population falling short of the recommended intake for major micronutrients such as vitamins A, D, E and C, folate, calcium, iron and zinc was found to be very high
In particular, the deficiency rate for vitamins D and E was found to be more than 75%, revealing the severity. This means that Koreans overall are experiencing insufficient micronutrient intake regardless of the season. Loss of appetite in summer leads to a further worsening of this existing deficiency state
Micronutrients are needed only in small amounts, but their deficiency adversely affects overall bodily function. Twitching under the eyes is one of the symptoms that can appear when magnesium is deficient, canker sores are known to signal a deficiency of B vitamins, and bleeding gums are a sign of vitamin C deficiency. When hair becomes thin or hair loss increases, a biotin or zinc deficiency can be suspected, while white spots on the nails suggest a zinc deficiency and spoon-shaped indentations in the nails should raise suspicion of iron-deficiency anemia.
The field of nutrition science is increasingly emphasizing customized intake based on individual deficiency states rather than unconditional consumption of high-dose supplements. “If you normally maintain a balanced diet that evenly includes meat, vegetables and fruit, there is no need to take separate supplements,” Professor Baek explained
When you have no appetite due to the heat, the recommendation is to use fruits and vegetables that can be eaten easily without separate cooking, while also consuming protein foods such as meat, fish and legumes. Medical staff cite the kiwi as a recommended fruit for summer. The kiwi is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, and it can be cut in half and scooped out with a spoon, requiring no separate cooking
Experts also stressed that the nutrients requiring additional supplementation differ depending on an individual’s lifestyle. They advised those who normally experience a lot of stress or have a drinking habit to pay attention to magnesium supplementation, and urged vegetarians to ensure sufficient intake of minerals overall, including iron, calcium and zinc
“When someone is taking antacids or has an endocrine disease such as hyperthyroidism, the risk of calcium deficiency increases,” said Kim Ji-hye, a professor of family medicine at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. “Special care is needed.” The conclusion is that summer health management should not stop at simply consuming water, and that balancing overall nutrition, including micronutrients, is important
#Nutrition#MicronutrientDeficiency#SummerHealth#HeatWave#VitaminD#MineralLoss#KoreaHealth
Original reporting by Hyun Su-a for Seoul Economic Daily
AI-translated from Korean. Quotes from foreignxact original wording
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