Multiple micronutrient deficiency

Allen LH, Rosado JL, Casteeline JE, Lopez P, Munoz E, Garcia OP and Martinez H (2000) Lack ofihemoglobin response to iron supplementation in anemic Mexican pre-schoolers with multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Am J Clin Nutr 71 1485-1495. 

Several fortification programs focus on the addition of the nutrient to the food and the stability under storage conditions, but not on the bioavailability. Considering that multiple micronutrient deficiencies coexist, fortification programs should also be aligned to provide solutions with multinutrient fortificants. The issues can only be dealt with if there is a concerted effort on the part of the industry, research establishments and the government. 

Nongranular dry-mixed fertilizers are not popular in most areas but are still used in some. One of these areas is in Florida where there are multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Hundreds of formulations are used, often custom mixed, so granulation is impractical. 

Micronutrient deficiencies are one of the most prevalent public health problems affecting more than two billion people worldwide (UNICEF and MI 2004). The magnitude of the problem is much greater in developing countries, where multiple micronutrient (MMN) deficiencies often occur concurrently as a result of poor quality diet. Although vitamin A, iron and iodine are the major micronutrient deficiencies in populations, deficiencies of zinc, vitamin C, folic add and other B vitamins (vitamin B2, Bg, B12 and niacin) are often present simultaneously (Huffman et al. 1999). MMN deficiencies are common throughout the lifespan, but specially in pregnant women and children. Micronutrient defidencies, if left untreated, can have considerable consequences on health and economic development (UNICEF and MI 2004). 

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies often occur concurrently in populations at risk who usually have poor quality diet. 

Allen, L.H., Peerson, J.M., and Olney, D.K., 2009b. Provision of multiple rather than two or fewer micronutrients more effectively improves growth and other outcomes in micronutrient-deficient children and adults. Journal of Nutrition. 139 1022-1030. 

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