Developing countries multiple micronutrient

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). 

Kawai, K., Spiegelman, D., Shankar, A. H., and Fawzi, W.W., 2011. Maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation and pregnancy outcomes in developing countries meta-analysis and meta-regression. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 89 402-41 IB. 

Ramakrishnan U and Huffman SL (2001) Multiple micronutrient malnutrition What can be done In Semba RD and Bloem MW (eds.) Nutrition and Health in Developing Countries, pp. 365-391. Totowa, NJ Humana Press. 

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