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The Impact of Climate Change on Micronutrient Deficiencies: A One Health Perspective

Climate change poses significant challenges to global health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. One critical aspect to consider is its impact on the nutrient composition of staple crops, which may lead to potential micronutrient deficiencies in human populations. This issue embodies the One Health concept, which places an emphasis on navigating the challenges of public health through the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Background

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels are considered a primary driver of climate change, and have been shown to affect plant physiology and nutrient content. Elevated CO₂ concentrations can increase carbohydrate production in plants but often result in reduced concentrations of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc. This phenomenon has been observed in staple crops like wheat, rice, and barley, which form the dietary foundation for a significant portion of the global population. For vulnerable populations that already suffer from food insecurity, having access to an affordable source of high quality dietary micronutrients is critical.

Epidemiology

Micronutrient deficiencies affect over two billion people worldwide, leading to adverse health outcomes such as impaired cognitive development, weakened immunity, and increased mortality, particularly among children and pregnant women. Climate change exacerbates this issue by diminishing the nutrient density of crops, thereby increasing the prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins. Nutrient availability from seafood has also been projected to decrease disproportionately in tropical, low income countries that are already highly dependent on the source, as the total availability of calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and protein from marine capture fisheries and mariculture has decreased significantly since the 1990's. Within the demographic of preschool aged children and women of reproductive age across multiple geographic regions, a pooled analysis study found that the largest number of individuals with micronutrient deficiencies were in low-income and middle-income countries. However, nearly half of women and children in high-income countries were estimated to have at least one micronutrient deficiency. Even though the available food in high-income countries appears to be nutritionally adequate, a significant number of individuals, particularly women, are still experiencing deficiencies in essential nutrients.

Mechanisms of Nutrient Decline

The reduction in crop nutrient content within elevated CO2 conditions can be attributed to multiple factors.

• Dilution Effect: Increased CO₂ stimulates carbohydrate accumulation in plants, which dilutes the concentration of other nutrients.
• Altered Nutrient Uptake: Changes in root physiology and soil microbiota given elevated CO₂ levels can impair the plant's ability to absorb minerals properly from the soil.
• Soil Degradation: Climate-induced soil erosion and nutrient leaching further reduce the availability of essential minerals for plant uptake.

Prevention Strategies

Addressing the monumentous impact of climate change on the quality of crop nutrient content requires a multifaceted approach:

• Agricultural Practices: Implementing sustainable farming techniques, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and organic fertilization, in order to enhance soil health and boost nutrient availability.
• Biofortification and Crop Diversification: Utilization of novel technology to enrich crops with essential micronutrients through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or genetic modification to improve their nutritional profile
• Policy Interventions: Formulating policies that promote sustainable agriculture, support research in crop improvement, and ensure equitable access to nutritious foods particularly for populations at risk of food insecurity.

Conclusion

The dynamic between climate change and crop nutrient content demonstrates the importance of using the One Health approach moving forward, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, agricultural practices, and human health. By addressing these challenges through multidimensional strategies, we can work towards a more resilient food system that better ensures nutritional security and decreases the risk of malnutrition for vulnerable populations in the face of a changing climate.