The Journal of Nutrition
Supplement: Multiple Micronutrient Nutrition—Evidence from History to Science to Effective Programs
Identifying Nutritional Need for Multiple
Micronutrient Interventions
1,2
Lynnette M. Neufeld* and Blair M. Cameron
Micronutrient Initiative, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Micronutrientdeficiencyremainsamajorpublichealthprobleminmanycountriesworldwidewithimportantconsequences
for the health of the population and child growth and development. The objective of this article is to review information that
should be taken into consideration in identifying the need for and in designing micronutrient programs. We review
informationthatcouldbeusedtoidentifynutritionalneed,includingtheprevalenceofdeficiencyandevidenceofinadequate
dietaryintakeaswellaspotentialdatasourcesandsomestrengthsandweaknessofsuchdataforprogramdecision-making.
We also review factors that might modify the potential impact of programs and that should therefore be taken into
considerationintheirdesign.Forexample,suchfactorsmayincludeaccesstoformalandinformalhealthsystems,qualityof
health provider training, and behavior change communication and complementary or overlapping interventions. Nationally
representative data on micronutrient deficiencies and dietary intake are most useful for identifying unmet needs. Although
theburdenofmicronutrientdeficienciesliesinlow-incomecountries,fewhavedetailedinformationonspecificdeficiencies
beyond anemia, and nationally representative dietary intake data are scarce. Nationally representative data may still mask
considerable within-country variability by geographic, economic, or ethnic group. Some efforts designed to promote
coordination in nutrition programming within countries utilizing information on prevalence, intake, and program coverage
andutilizationarealsoreviewed.Improvingthequalityofsuchdataandensuringcontinualupdatesarevitaltoguidedecision
making and to ensure that programs can appropriately respond to needs. J. Nutr. 142: 166S–172S, 2012if you want to read full text you can download this
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