Increasing the availability and utilization of reliable data on population micronutrient (MN) status globally: the MN Data Generation Initiative
Publication: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Kenneth H Brown, Sophie E Moore, Sonja Y Hess, Christine M McDonald, Kerry S Jones, Sarah R Meadows, Mari S Manger, Jennifer Coates, Silvia Alayon, Saskia J M Osendarp
1 September 2021
Summary
Micronutrient (MN) deficiencies can produce a broad range of adverse health problems. Young, preschool children and women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries are most affected by these deficiencies, but the true magnitude of the problems and their related disease burdens remain uncertain because of lack of reliable biomarker information on population MN status.
This report describes the current situation with regard to data availability, the reasons for the lack of relevant information, and the steps needed to correct this situation, including implementation of a multi-component MN Data Generation Initiative to advocate for critical data collection and provide related technical assistance, laboratory services, professional training, and financial support.