Abstract
Micronutrient deficiency conditions are widespread among 2 billion people in developing and in developed countries. These are silent epidemics of vitamin and mineral deficiencies affecting people of all genders and ages, as well as certain risk groups. They not only cause specific diseases, but they act as exacerbating factors in infectious and chronic diseases, greatly impacting morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Deficiencies in some groups of people at special risk require supplementation, but the most effective way to meet community health needs safely is by population based approaches involving food fortification. These complementary methods, along with food security, education, and monitoring, are challenges for public health and for clinical medicine. Micronutrient deficiency conditions relate to many chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis osteomalacia, thyroid deficiency colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Fortification has a nearly century long record of success and safety, proven effective for prevention of specific diseases, including birth defects. They increase the severity of infectious diseases, such as measles, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Understanding the pathophysiology and epidemiology of micronutrient deficiencies, and implementing successful methods of prevention, both play a key part in the New Public Health as discussed in this section, citing the examples of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
Highlights
Micronutrient Deficiencies (MNDs) are of great public health and socioeconomic importance worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that more than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, primarily iodine, iron, vitamin A and zinc, with important health consequences.[1]
The earliest recognized clinical trial in micronutrient deficiency was conducted on sailors on board the HMS Salisbury by James Lind, leading to his famous report on scurvy in 1753.10 His findings eventually led to routine daily lime juice issuance to British sailors, who were known as “limeys.” This was followed over the century by advances in scientific knowledge of the importance of iron and iodine nutrient elements in health
Summary
Micronutrient Deficiencies (MNDs) are of great public health and socioeconomic importance worldwide They affect low-income countries but are a significant factor in health problems in industrialized societies with impacts among wide vulnerable groups in the population, including women, children, the middle-aged, and the elderly. Insufficient data, common in Asia, Cardiomyopathy, increased cancer and Scandinavia, Siberia cardiovascular risk Other articles in this issue on chronic diseases,[6] infectious diseases,[7] public health in the US,[8] and global health[9] relate issues of micronutrient deficiencies and their prevention as fundamental to the New Public Health. These topics are included in this introductory issue of Public Health Reviews as they currently receive wide attention in public health with an array of successful interventions, including fortification, supplementation and food based strategies for the alleviation of these conditions as an essential element of the New Public Health
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