The Global Nutrient Deficiency Epidemic | with Angela Hywood

It’s easy to assume that here in our modern, developed world, most of us are cruising along with all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Supermarkets overflowing with food. Health food cafes on every corner. Entire Instagram feeds dedicated to “nutrient-dense bowls.”

So, here’s the uncomfortable truth…

A huge global study recently confirmed that, despite all our options, most of us, including the wellness-savvy among us, aren’t getting enough of the essential nutrients our bodies rely on to thrive and to create new life.

The Global Nutrient Gap — It’s Bigger Than You Think

Researchers analysed the diets of people in 185 countries, giving us the most comprehensive picture yet of how we’re tracking with key vitamins and minerals, and the results were honestly confronting:

• Over 5 billion people aren’t getting enough iodine, essential for thyroid health, metabolism, and brain development.
• Around 67% of us are deficient in vitamin E, which is crucial for fertility, healthy cells, and controlling inflammation.
• Approximately 66% fall short on calcium, vital for bones, muscles, and nervous system health.
• Over 4 billion people, that’s two-thirds of the global population, are iron-deficient, with women and children hardest hit.

And women? We’re consistently running low on iodine, vitamin B12, selenium, iron, folate, and more — nutrients that directly influence energy, hormone balance, fertility, and healthy pregnancy outcomes. And no, it’s not just happening in underdeveloped countries; it’s happening right here, in our homes, among women who care deeply about their health.

“But…I Eat Really Well…”

I hear this all the time. And honestly? Most of the women I work with do make great food choices, but even then, nutrient gaps sneak in.

• Modern farming practices deplete our soils
• Busy lives mean skipped meals or quick, grab-and-go options
• Food intolerances or dietary preferences limit key food groups
• Medications like the Pill or metformin can block nutrient absorption
• Stress, illness, and pregnancy crank up our nutritional demands

And… we’re human! No one eats perfectly all the time. The reality is, even with the best intentions, most of us still miss the mark — often without even realising it.

Trying to Conceive? Your Nutritional Needs Are Next-Level

If you’re preparing for pregnancy, whether now or in the future, the nutritional stakes are even higher.

Your body needs more. More antioxidants. More vitamins. More minerals. It’s not just about avoiding deficiencies, it’s about optimising your health, your egg quality, your hormone function, and creating the healthiest foundation possible for conception and pregnancy.

And trying to meet all those demands through diet alone? Honestly…it’s near impossible.

A High-Quality Daily Multi: This is NOT Negotiable

I say this with love and years of clinical experience behind me, a daily multi, especially a fertility or prenatal-specific formula, isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s not some optional wellness extra you add if you remember.

It’s a non-negotiable.

Think of it as your nutritional safety net. It’s there to:

• Bridge those inevitable dietary gaps
• Top up critical nutrients like folate, B12, iodine, selenium, and magnesium
• Support your thyroid, hormones, and energy
• Nourish egg health, reduce inflammation, and prepare your body for pregnancy
• Protect your future baby’s development — starting well before you even conceive

In the clinic, I trust and recommend evidence-based, practitioner-grade brands like Eagle, MediHerb, Orthoplex, and Pure Encapsulations. These are the formulas I lean on because they’re designed with real women’s needs in mind, no token doses, no cheap fillers, just the right nutrients, in the right forms, at the right levels.

The Secret Signs Your Body Might Be Running Low

Our bodies are clever — when nutrients run low, they often send subtle messages long before they become a bigger health issue. Have you noticed any of these?

• White spots on your nails? A classic clue that your zinc levels might need some love.
• Little red dots on your tongue or inside your cheeks? Could be your body waving the flag for low magnesium.
• Ridges or peeling on your nails? Calcium deficiency or low protein intake could be behind that.
• Mood swings, feeling flat, or struggling with energy? Possible vitamin D deficiency knocking at the door.
• Hair thinning or more shedding than usual? Often linked to low iron, zinc, or essential fatty acids.
• Bleeding gums when you brush? A quiet sign your body’s craving vitamin C.
• Cracks at the corners of your mouth? Low B vitamins, especially B2 (riboflavin), might be the culprit.
• Persistent fatigue despite “rest”? Iron, magnesium, B12, all possible players in that energy slump.

These little clues are your body’s way of saying: “Hey, I’m running on empty here.”

The good news? These signs are reversible when you nourish your body well through real food, targeted nutrients, and daily self-care steps, like a properly formulated multi-vitamin.

Perfection Isn’t the Goal

Life is busy. Appetites fluctuate. Some days are all green smoothies and slow-cooked stews, other days… toast for dinner. That’s real life… even in my home. Yes, despite all my knowledge and best intentions, there are nights when it’s a scramble between kids’ sports, homework, laundry mountains, or just sheer exhaustion, when the fridge is uninspiring, or dinner turns into a last-minute “whatever works” situation.

But a quality daily multi? That’s one of those simple, reliable, self-care steps that helps close those nutrient gaps and gives your body, your hormones, your energy, and your future baby the support they deserve.

Be kind to your body. Nourish it. Listen to it. And please, don’t underestimate the quiet but powerful difference a thoughtfully chosen daily multi can make for your health, your fertility, and your future family.

With love, science, and a whole lot of common sense, Angela x

To book an appointment for your personalised treatment plan book a consult with Angela here.

Naturopath and Founder of Floralia Wellness & Apothecary, Angela Hywood, has been specialising in women’s health, hormones and fertility for over 25 years.