Doctors named the micronutrients deficient in autumn in the human body

Autumn is not only a time of bright colors and cozy evenings, but also a time of increased stress on the body. A change in the weather, a reduction in daylight hours, the end of vacations and the start of the school year. To meet the season fully armed, you should take care of your health in advance, while paying attention to critically important trace elements. On August 28, experts from the Laboratory "Hemotest" and "Sber Electronics" told Izvestia exactly how.

According to the Hemotest Laboratory, during the period from January 1 to August 10, 2025, 5% of patients had reduced serum iron levels, 18.5% had ferritin (this indicator reflects the iron reserve in the body), and 16% had transferrin (a protein that delivers iron to tissues and organs). The risk of developing iron deficiency anemia increases with such indicators.

"Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells and responsible for oxygen delivery. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which manifests itself in the form of chronic fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and decreased performance. In late summer and autumn, as the load on the immune system increases, oxygen deficiency becomes especially critical, primarily for muscle and brain function," said Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert at the Hemotest Laboratory.

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According to analysts at Sber Electronics, the demand for iron preparations shows a slight increase year-on-year, mainly in large cities. Thus, in the first half of 2025, iron-containing drugs were purchased 4% more often than in the second half of 2024.

8% of people have iodine deficiency. It is a microelement vital for the thyroid gland: it is directly involved in the synthesis of hormones of the gland that regulate metabolism, energy balance, and cognitive functions. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, a malfunction of the thyroid gland in which it produces too few hormones. The main manifestations of hypothyroidism are fatigue, weight gain, memory loss, apathy, and menstrual irregularities in women.

Also, according to the Hemotest Laboratory, 33% of patients had low zinc levels. This means that one in three of them is deficient in this important trace element.

Indeed, zinc is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and aging. Zinc is also necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc deficiency leads to weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to infections, especially respiratory infections, as well as prolonged illness and slow wound healing.

"Optimal sources of iron are red meat and offal. To make up for the lack of iodine, you should eat more fish, seafood, and egg yolk. But oysters, cocoa and liver are the undisputed leaders in zinc content. At the same time, if symptoms of a lack of trace elements appear, you should not rely on the diet — in this case, you should consult a doctor so that he makes a diagnosis and prescribes all the necessary medications," sums up Kashukh.

Dmitry Gurov, pharmacist and head of the Sber Eaptek pharmacy, believes that the autumn harvest season can also significantly help in replenishing vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body. Autumn fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, pumpkins, nuts, and grapes contain many beneficial substances that can help improve overall health.

"Autumn foods often contain high levels of vitamins, as well as antioxidants that counteract oxidative stress and cell destruction, and fiber, which supports the health of the digestive system. Eating seasonal foods can be a more economical and environmentally friendly option, as they are often less processed and have a lower carbon footprint. In order to effectively fill the deficits, it is important to include a variety of foods in your diet and ensure a balanced diet," the expert concluded.

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