Abstract

*Dr. Aarti Kumari, Dr. Ashu, Dr. Manoj Kumar

ABSTRACT

Micronutrient deficiency remains a major global health challenge, with a significant proportion of the population lacking essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, despite widespread use of fortified foods and synthetic supplements. Organically derived nutrients are often considered superior to inorganic mineral salts and synthetic compounds owing to their greater physiological compatibility and enhanced absorption by the body. In contrast, conventional supplementation with inorganic mineral salts and synthetic vitamins is frequently limited by poor bioavailability, resulting from gastrointestinal barriers, pH imbalance, and interactions with dietary fibres. In this context, Rasousadhi (herbo?mineral formulations) described in Ayurveda offer an alternative, characterized by enhanced bioavailability and tissue?specific action. Classical pharmaceutical processes such as Shodhana and Marana convert metals and minerals into nano?particals I.e Bhasma form, which may bypass conventional absorption limitations and target specific Dhatu (tissues). The use of media such as Triphala, Maricha, Ksheera, Nimbu Swarasa and Amalaki Swarasa during processing further enhances bioavailability by imparting chelating, potentiating, and organotropic properties. This review explores micronutrient physiology through the lens of Dhatu Siddhanta and discusses how Rasousadhi may serve as a rational, integrative approach to correcting micronutrient deficiencies at the tissue level. As micronutrient deficiency is a modern nutritional construct not explicitly described in Ayurveda, the present work is an attempt to establish a conceptual bridge between contemporary nutrition science and Ayurvedic fundamentals. Further pharmacological, experimental, and clinical investigations are required to substantiate these correlations and evaluate their therapeutic applicability.