‘Hidden’ hunger poses huge health risks: experts

Hidden hunger, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals that often has no visible signs to warn people they are suffering from it.

Studies have shown that about 2.5 billion people in the world suffer from hidden hunger because of a lack of micronutrients, according to the experts.

Local studies have also shown that 70 % of adults in Taiwan think they have balanced diets, but actually 99 % of them fail to consume sufficient levels of the foods recommended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the experts said.

Chin Hui-min, a nutritionist at Taipei’s city-run hospital, said people must eat sufficient vegetables and fruits. When necessary, vitamin supplements are also helpful for maintaining health, Chin said.

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Category: Features, Health alert