Comparison in Various Global Nutritional Deficiencies

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Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Niacin
Global nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B, iodine, and zinc micronutrient deficiencies are common. Two of these deficiencies are compared and contrasted below:
Globally, iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency and a cause of anemia, affecting about 25% of the global population (Warner & Kamran, 2020). Iron deficiency stems from blood loss, low iron intake, or poor iron absorption, and, in some cases, increased demand for iron, such as in pregnancy. Therefore, individuals should consume red meat, green vegetables, and iron-fortified milk formulas to resolve the iron deficiency.
Niacin deficiency, also referred to as vitamin B3 deficiency, is a deficiency that causes pellagra, a skin condition commonly seen among people living in poverty (Redzic & Gupta, 2021). Just like iron deficiency, niacin deficiency also stems from poor absorption and low intake. Specifically, it stems from poor absorption and low intake of niacin. However, unlike iron deficiency, niacin deficiency is also attributed to the use of certain medications, such as isoniazid (Redzic & Gupta, 2021). In addition, this deficiency can be curbed through increased intake of meat, fish, legumes, and fortified cereals.
Both iron deficiency anemia and niacin deficiency are more prevalent in developing countries than developed countries because the developed countries have sufficient diets rich in these specific nutrients (Warner & Kamran, 2020; Redzic & Gupta, 2021). In addition, both deficiencies can cause death. Chronic iron deficiency causes death because of the associated heart and lung condition (Warner & Kamran, 2020), while untreated niacin deficiency causes death due to associated persistent diarrhea or infections, in addition, to severe malnutrition (Redzic & Gupta, 2021).
Barriers to Receiving Mental and Physical Health Services
Globally, access to mental health care continues to be a challenge despite the rising prevalence of mental illnesses (Carbonell, Navarro-Perez, & Mestre, 2020). Compared to physical health care, mental health care ...