Although Chile, like many Latin American countries, has achieved significant progress in food security, there are still significant nutritional deficiencies, especially of essential micronutrients in different population groups.

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a public health issue, even in countries with food access. Important deficits have been detected in Chile, especially in vulnerable populations: children, the elderly, women of reproductive age, people with excess weight, etc.

These deficiencies affect not only physical health (immunity, bones, metabolism, fatigue), but also cognitive function, mood, school and work performance, etc.

The problem can be "silent," and many people have sub-optimal levels of vitamins or minerals without obvious symptoms initially, which causes them to go unnoticed until they negatively impact health in the medium or long term (immune system, bones, cognitive development, etc.).

A common cause is the high availability of calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods, such as ultra-processed products, as well as monotonous diets with a low variety of foods or unbalanced diets.

The 2023 Junaeb Vulnerability Survey revealed multiple nutritional deficiencies in Chilean students, related to difficulties in accessing healthy, sufficient, and varied food. These deficiencies directly impact health, physical development, and school performance. Among the deficiencies, the following could be observed and highlighted:

• 84.4% of students do not consume enough water and it is often replaced by sugary drinks, which increases caloric intake and contributes to overweight.
• 72.4% do not consume enough vegetables, which implies a low intake of vitamins (such as vitamin C, A, K, etc.) and minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, among others).
• In households with less supervision, children tend to consume more foods high in sugar, fat, and ultra-processed ingredients, which displaces more nutritious foods. This trend was, in turn, linked to the high level of cavities (39%) in students, a sign of dietary imbalance and poor oral hygiene.

What could be concluded from this survey is that the aforementioned deficiencies are associated with cognitive and learning problems, childhood anemia, cavities, and poor oral health.

Among the deficiencies most frequently found today in the population across different age groups are: Vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, Magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids; we will detail their risk factors and the main consequences of their deficiencies below.

When diet alone does not cover daily micronutrient requirements, the use of supplements can be a useful and effective tool, along with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, to prevent these deficiencies.

Nutritional supplementation should be:

• Indicated and supervised by competent health professionals (nutritionist, doctor, etc.).
• Adapted to individual needs: age, sex, physical activity level, health conditions, associated pathologies, etc.
• Carried out with quality products, in effective and bioavailable doses.

• Consume fresh vegetables and fruits of different colors throughout the week.

• Incorporate foods such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

• Consume protein sources like legumes, fatty fish, eggs, etc.

• Increase water intake.

• Promote sun exposure (15-20 minutes daily) for vitamin D synthesis.

• Include functional foods rich in omega-3, antioxidants, and fiber.

• Consult with a nutritionist to optimize nutrient absorption and avoid interactions that may inhibit their utilization and cause deficiencies.

Reduce consumption of:

• Ultra-processed foods high in sugar, trans fats, and sodium.

• Sugary drinks (replace them with water or natural infusions).

Micronutrient deficiencies in the Chilean population remain a public health problem, often underdiagnosed and with long-term consequences.

The nutritional transition toward more processed diets, combined with modern lifestyles involving little sun exposure, chronic stress, and a sedentary lifestyle, has contributed to the increase in these deficiencies.

Addressing this situation requires a comprehensive approach: nutritional education, access to healthy foods, prevention and early diagnosis, and, when necessary, nutritional supplementation advised by a professional.

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