Micronutrient Deficiency

Several micronutrients are required for adequate growth among children. However, it is unclear as to which nutrient deficiency contributes most often to growth faltering in populations at risk for poor nutrition and poor growth. The common micronutrient deficiency such as vitamin A, Iron, Iodine, Zinc and folate or folic acid are responsible directly or indirectly for more than 50% of all under - 5 death globally. Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), Iron deficiency Anaemia (IDA) and iodine deficiency disorder (IDE), poses a serious threat to health of vulnerable segments of populations. Dietary inadequacy is the primary cause of micronutrient deficiency while poor intake of micronutrients which is essential for growth and development of under 5 year children. Nutritional programs in India for micronutrients have been able to prevent many micronutrient deficiencies among the vulnerable population, but there is still a long road to go.