Where Are We up to with Vitamin, Mineral and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Gaps? Intake and Status Findings from the UK National Diet and Nutritional Survey 2019 to 2023

Abstract

Inadequate vitamin, mineral and omega-3 intakes can have short and long-term implications for health. The recent UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (years 2019 to 2023) provides updated dietary intake data and blood status biomarkers for certain micronutrients and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A Perspectus Global survey was also undertaken with n = 1505 UK respondents to evaluate vitamin, mineral and omega-3 knowledge, understanding and barriers to consumption. Vitamin D, riboflavin, folate (particularly in women of childbearing age), iron (especially among girls and women), calcium, potassium, iodine and selenium fell below dietary recommended intakes across the recent UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Consumption of oily fish was also well below recommended thresholds across all population groups. Those most vulnerable to inadequate intakes include females, women of childbearing age, young people and teenagers. Suboptimal intakes of key nutrients such as folate, iron and iodine in girls and across women of childbearing years are especially concerning given extended implications for inter-generational health. There has been much interest in plant-based diets and ultra-processed foods recently, yet much greater emphasis needs to be placed on the fundamentals, such as the nutrient density of foods and the importance of attaining dietary benchmarks. Ongoing government programmes and the dissemination of evidence-based practical information are needed to help raise the awareness of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids where there are present-day gaps. Suitable fortification initiatives, supplementation programmes and updated guidance which take on board the latest research findings should be considered. In conclusion, the optimisation of vitamin, mineral and omega-3 intakes could have extended health and wellbeing benefits for the health of the UK population. For example, in the COVID-19 pandemic hypovitaminosis D was widespread and improved status at the time could have had assisted immunomodulatory functions. Now is a good time to reflect on latest UK NDNS findings and to seriously consider how to improve the health and wellness of the nation 10 years from now.