A new report by AED Center for Nutrition and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) for the Food and Nutrition Bulletin shows that while cost-effective interventions to reduce vitamin and mineral deficiencies have existed for more than 20 years, significant micronutrient deficiencies still plague many countries, increasing maternal and child mortality and slowing brain development in children.
The report offers a comprehensive strategy to address the problem, including increased use of food supplementation and fortification.
"Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: A Report for the Ten Year Strategy for the Reduction of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies" reveals that:
- vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in 118 countries;
- anemia caused by iron deficiency affects over two-thirds of all pregnant women and young children in many countries, such as India;
- iodine deficiency affects more than 740 million people or 13% of the world's population;
- 20% of the world's population is at risk of zinc deficiency; and
- folic acid deficiency is widespread even in developed countries.
The report will be discussed at the global Micronutrient Forum being held in Istanbul from April 16-18, 2007 to bring together more than 700 representatives from major global organizations, businesses and the health and nutrition sector.
"Millions of people are still affected by malnutrition, despite the availability of proven, cost-effective interventions," said AED Vice President Jean Baker, one of the authors of the report. "We hope this report spurs action to significantly reduce rates of malnutrition around the world."
"Time is short for those suffering malnutrition, and the damage wrought by vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be lifelong," said Marc Van Ameringen, executive director of GAIN.
The report summarizes the current technical information about vitamin and mineral deficiencies, details success stories from countries that reduced the deficiencies, and identifies gaps in data and programs. It recommends a global ten year strategy to reduce vitamin and mineral deficiencies comprised of eight key actions: