A new report has warned that millions of Britons may be suffering from 'hidden hunger' – a condition where individuals consume enough calories but lack essential nutrients for health and wellbeing.
Dietary Deficits Report Highlights Widespread Nutrient Shortfalls
The report, titled 'Dietary Deficits and Future Health and Wellness Fallouts', was published by the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS). Experts warn that vast numbers of people could be experiencing nutrient shortfalls that silently impact health, even when they appear to eat normally.
Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from HSIS said: 'The report found that 93% of adults believe their diet could be healthier, while more than six in ten say the cost-of-living crisis has affected their food choices. And while 60% of adults claim they try to hit their five-a-day target of fruit and veg, official government dietary surveys suggest fewer than one in five actually achieve it.'
Health professionals warn the knock-on effects will be wide-ranging, with nutritional deficiencies affecting immune health, energy levels, bone strength, heart and brain health, and even cognitive function. Soaring food prices are driving many households away from nutrient-dense foods towards cheaper, more filling options.
Key Nutrients Britons Are Missing
Dr Derbyshire said: 'The HSIS report highlights significant shortfalls across several essential nutrients – including vitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients do not work in isolation. Shortfalls can interact and compound one another.'
'For example, vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, magnesium helps activate vitamin D, while vitamin C improves iron uptake. This means one deficiency may trigger a wider nutritional domino effect across the body.'
Vitamin D: A Major Concern
Dr Derbyshire noted: 'Vitamin D remains one of the UK's biggest nutritional concerns, particularly during autumn and winter when sunlight exposure drops. It plays a crucial role in immune defence, muscle function and bone health.'
Experts suggest combining sensible sun exposure with foods such as eggs, mushrooms and oily fish, while many adults would benefit from a daily multivitamin and multimineral supplement with vitamin D or a vitamin D supplement alone.
Iron Deficiency Among Women and Teenagers
'Iron is another major concern, particularly among women and teenagers. Around 34% of women aged 19–64 have iron intakes below recommended levels. Low iron levels can contribute to tiredness, poor concentration and low mood,' Dr Derbyshire said.
Pairing plant-based iron sources such as lentils or spinach with vitamin C-rich foods like kiwi, peppers, or strawberries may help improve absorption.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Lacking in Diets
Omega-3 fatty acids, linked to heart and brain health, are lacking in many people's diets. Sardines and mackerel are among the richest sources, while walnuts and chia seeds can help boost plant omega-3 intakes. For those who do not like oily fish, an omega-3 or fish oil supplement can bridge dietary gaps.
'Consumers are right to be worried about their diets as the government's own diet research highlights that our nutrient intakes haven't improved for years and – in many cases – continue to get worse. Any single nutrient gap is of concern, but the pattern of shortfalls we've seen is particularly worrying for future health,' Dr Derbyshire added.
To help bridge nutritional gaps, a multivitamin and multimineral supplement provides a useful self-care nutritional safety net alongside a balanced diet. Targeted supplements such as vitamin D, omega-3 fish oils and iron may also benefit some groups, particularly during periods of low sun exposure or increased nutritional need.
