They reflect an overall impact of multiple causative factors similar to those of other developing countries where rice is not a
major staple.8 Various
deficiencies including zinc, vitamin C and D, folate, riboflavin, selenium and
calcium occur in the context of poverty, environmental degradation, lack of public health systems and sanitation, lack of proper education and social disparity.
And studies are emerging to suggest that
calcium deficiency is associated with a number of
major illnesses including high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.