FOOD SECURITY: THE NUMBERS

Recent global nutrition studies reveal a stark reality: more than half of humanity does not get an adequate intake of essential nutrients. Over 5 billion fall short on iodine, vitamin E, and calcium, while more than 4 billion lack sufficient iron, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin C. These deficiencies compromise child development, maternal health, and create excessive exhaustion.

The regions with the densest deficiencies are Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and large parts of South America. However, nutrient deficiencies are present everywhere, even in wealthier nations like Italy, which has significant deficiencies in iron, folate, and vitamin E, especially within the female population.

THE NUTRITIONAL POWER OF ANIMAL PROTEINS

Animal proteins are a cornerstone of a balanced diet thanks to their high nutrient density and bioavailability. They deliver complete, high-quality proteins and calorie-dense nourishment in highly bioavailable forms, compared to plant-based proteins. For example, iron from plant foods (non-heme iron) is absorbed at a rate of approximately 4-5%, compared with iron from animal sources, which is absorbed at substantially higher rates, reaching nearly 15%.

Moreover, animal-based foods are primary natural sources of vitamin B12, retinol, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioavailable zinc, all of which are essential for development, immune health, and energy reserves. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, plant-based proteins alone cannot reliably meet rising nutritional demands.

A MORE MEASURABLE WORLD

Traditional tools for assessing diet quality often prioritize calories over micronutrients or fail to distinguish between food types. The Nutritional Value Score (NVS) addresses these gaps by ranking foods based on nutrient density. Findings show that organ meats top the list, followed by dark leafy greens and fish. At the same time, no single food can score perfectly, which is why it’s essential to intertwine complementary foods for a balanced diet.

THE TRUE INNOVATORS

Meeting our global nutrition standards requires more than awareness or notice; it involves innovation. Today’s regenerative farmers embody this role by utilizing zootechnics – which is the agricultural science of animal breeding and genetics – thereby enhancing productivity while ensuring animal welfare. If you want hens to lay eggs or cows to produce milk, zootechnics is the science that determines how to do so most efficiently. For instance, wearable sensors enable farmers to track dairy cows’ movements, body temperature, and chewing, allowing them to receive notifications if a cow may be sick, hot, or even stressed.

These advances demonstrate that farmers aren’t just producers, but also innovative problem solvers, applying science to ensure that essential nutrients are accessible to all in a growing population. By advancing farming, zootechnics will help feed our growing population and ensure that vital nutrients reach those who need them most.

TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

To nourish a growing world, policies must make nutrient-rich animal foods more accessible, especially for vulnerable populations. The goal is not to elevate animal products as luxuries, but to recognize them as essential contributors to health and resilience. By applying innovative tools and smarter policies – such as zootechnics – livestock systems can be optimized to expand nutritional access, support livelihoods, and build a sustainable future for future generations.

Despite the frequent boycotts and criticisms, farmers today are the real innovators, testing and scaling their agricultural practices to maximize efficiency, increase sustainability, and enhance resilience. From addressing nutrient gaps to embracing innovative farming practices, the path to food security lies in combining science with advocacy to ensure that rising nutritional demands are met.

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