Summary
This large-scale pooled analysis, published in The Lancet Global Health, synthesises individual-level biomarker data from population-representative surveys to quantify the burden of micronutrient deficiencies worldwide in preschool-aged children and women of reproductive age. The analysis likely reveals that deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and folate remain highly prevalent, disproportionately affecting populations in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The study provides a methodologically rigorous evidence base to inform global nutrition policy, supplementation programmes, and dietary interventions.
UK applicability
The findings are primarily applicable to low- and middle-income countries where micronutrient deficiencies are most prevalent; however, they offer relevant benchmarks for UK public health policy on at-risk populations, including refugee and migrant communities, and inform global nutrition commitments supported by UK aid and development programmes.
Key measures
Prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (%; by nutrient, age group, sex, and region); biomarker concentrations from population-representative surveys
Outcomes reported
The study estimated the prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies — including iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 — among preschool-aged children and women of reproductive age across low- and middle-income countries. Findings were pooled from nationally representative survey data to produce global and regional estimates.
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