Summary
This FAO/WHO joint guidance document provides internationally agreed recommendations for the selection, collection, processing, and interpretation of biomarkers used to assess micronutrient status in populations. It is intended to standardise measurement approaches across national nutrition surveys and clinical settings, thereby improving comparability of data across countries and over time. The document is likely aimed at nutritionists, public health researchers, laboratory scientists, and programme planners working on micronutrient deficiency assessment and surveillance.
UK applicability
Although primarily designed for international use, the guidance is directly applicable to UK nutrition surveillance activities such as the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), where standardised biomarker measurement protocols are essential for monitoring population micronutrient status and informing dietary policy.
Key measures
Serum/plasma micronutrient concentrations; functional biomarkers of micronutrient status; inflammation adjustment indicators (e.g. C-reactive protein); cut-off thresholds for deficiency classification
Outcomes reported
The document sets out recommended biomarkers, laboratory methods, and quality assurance procedures for assessing micronutrient status in individuals and populations. It likely covers indicators for key micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, iodine, folate, and vitamin D, alongside guidance on pre-analytical and analytical considerations.
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