Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body requires in very small amounts. However, their effects on the body’s health are critical, and a deficiency in any one of them can lead to severe and even life-threatening conditions. They perform a range of functions, including enabling the production of enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for normal growth and development. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, and iodine are the most widespread globally, especially among children and pregnant women. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately high burden of micronutrient deficiency.
Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to visible and dangerous health disorders but can also result in less noticeable impairments in energy levels, mental clarity, and overall performance. This can lead to poorer educational outcomes, reduced work productivity, and a higher risk of other diseases and health conditions.
Many of these deficiencies can be prevented through nutritional education and the consumption of a healthy, varied diet, as well as through food fortification and supplementation when needed. These programs have made significant progress in reducing micronutrient deficiency over the past few decades, though further efforts are still necessary.
