Micronutrient deficiencies (Meg Tharp

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Coined "hidden hunger" because of its ability to negatively affect even wellfed individuals, deficiency in micronutrients affects individuals across the globe.

What are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients are essential components of the human diet necessary for proper physiologic functioning, which are consumed in small quantities.

Some of the most common and most important micronutrients include iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, and important vitamins such as Vitamin A, BVitamins, and Vitamin C.

Where can Micronutrients be Found?

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, whole wheat, fish, eggs, high-quality meat, and dairy can all be excellent sources of

Why is hidden hunger a problem?

Deficiencies in micronutrients can lead to issues such as:

immunodeficiency physical and mental developmental delays (especially in children) blindness and vision problems general diminished quality of life and ability to complete daily tasks

Though all people can experience negative effects from prolonged inadequate intake of or access to micronutrients, children and pregnant women are most drastically affected by this issue due to the role micronutrients can plan in proper growth and development (13).

Nations most affected by hidden hunger can be seen in Figure 6. Much of what contributes to high rates of hidden hunger can simply include lack of access to quality food sources due to financial and/or infrastructure barriers. However, even the most wealthy countries can still be affected by this.

Global Hidden Hunger Scores Among Preschool-Aged Children

(determined based on prevalence of stunting, anemia due to iron deficiency, and Vitamin A deficiency)

Ways to Reduce or Prevent Micronutrient Deficiencies:

Taking multivitamins Supplementation campaigns (efforts to administer micronutrient supplements to at-risk populations) Food fortification (the process of adding micronutrients to food, i.e. iodized salt, folic acid and iron added to bread) (12)

Are prevention strategies effective?

Efforts to reduce the prevalence and/or effects of micronutrient deficiencies have shown positive effects suggesting they are indeed effective in combatting this issue. Figure 7 shows the positive effect on growth seen in schoolchildren taking a zinc + multivitamin supplement, a change in height of 3.6 cm +/- 0.6 cm for children with no supplementation, and 4.9 +/- 1.3 cm for children taking a zinc + multivitamin supplement.

No supplement

With zinc + multivitamin

0 1 2 3

Figure 7. Rerksuppaphol S, Rerksuppaphol L. Effect of zinc plus multivitamin supplementation on growth in school children. Pediatr Int. doi: 10.1111/ped.13011. Published August 31, 2016. Accessed March 24th, 2021.

"I personally see this as a drastically overlooked issue for which there is insufficient research. I believe every country in the world can be affected like this and it can be extremely beneficial to even be slightly more aware of your personal micronutrient access and intake." - Meg Tharp

References

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