Summary of Summary of Global Micronutrient troubles

From 2009 write up (supporting UN Millennium Development Goals):

Kids around the world are suffering from malnutrition (a lot of them.) (Up to 2 billion people are suffering the consequences of vitamin and mineral deficiencies per the study) What should we do about it?

  • Set up salt iodization legislation
  • Set up national standards for food fortification
  • Provide micronutrient supplements to children (vitamin A, zinc, others)
  • Provide micronutrient supplements to women of child bearing age
  • Integrate micronutrient programs into existing food support systems

What are these vitamins needed for:

  • Vitamin A – immune development and vision
  • Iodine – brain development
  • Iron – motor and cognitive development
  • Zinc – immune development and nervous system development
  • Folate – critical for fetal development