Academy for Educational Development

Even though cost-effective interventions to reduce vitamin and mineral deficiencies have existed for more than 20 years, significant micronutrient deficiencies still plague many countries, according to a new report from the AED Center for Nutrition and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Those deficiencies lead to increased rates maternal and child mortality and slower brain development in children.

The report, “Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: A Report for the Ten Year Strategy for the Reduction of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies,” was written for the Food and Nutrition Bulletin, and offers a comprehensive, ten-year strategy to address the problem, including increased use of food supplementation and fortification.

The report reveals that: vitamin A deficiency is a public-health problem in 118 countries; anemia caused by iron deficiency affects more than two-thirds of all pregnant women and young children in many countries; iodine deficiency affects more than 740 million people—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. The Forum brings 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.”