Geographical disparities in mineral deficiencies highlight urgent need for targeted interventions in Ethiopia
Mineral deficiencies are common in Ethiopia, with varying levels across different regions. A study measured blood serum levels of calcium, magnesium, cobalt, copper, and molybdenum in over 3000 people. Deficiencies were found in calcium (41.6%), magnesium (29.2%), and cobalt (15.9%), while copper and molybdenum deficiencies were lower at 7.6% and 0.3% respectively. Certain regions had higher rates of specific deficiencies, like calcium, copper, and molybdenum in the northwestern part, cobalt in the central area, and magnesium in the northeastern region. The study showed that calcium, magnesium, and molybdenum levels were related across distances, but cobalt and copper levels were not. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutrition interventions in Ethiopia to address these mineral deficiencies.