Increasing the availability and utilization of reliable data on population micronutrient (MN) status globally: the MN Data Generation Initiative

Abstract

Micronutrient (MN) deficiencies can produce a broad array of adverse health and functional outcomes. 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 the dearth of reliable biomarker information on population MN status. The reasons for this lack of information include a limited understanding by policy makers of the importance of MNs for human health and the usefulness of information on MN status for program planning and management; insufficient professional capacity to advocate for this information and design and implement related MN status surveys; high costs and logistical constraints involved in specimen collection, transport, storage, and laboratory analyses; poor access to adequately equipped and staffed laboratories to complete the analyses reliably; and inadequate capacity to interpret and apply this information for public health program design and evaluation. 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.

100 YEARS OF VITAMIN D: Global differences in vitamin D status and dietary intake: a review of the data

“…The 2020 Global Nutrition Report stressed that a major outstanding laggard is the little notable progress in the collection, analysis and use of micronutrient deficiency data [83]. There has also been a call to action from the Micronutrient Forum in terms of increasing the availability and utilization of reliable data on population micronutrient (including vitamin D) status globally [84]. A lack of such data undermines a full understanding of the magnitude of the micronutrient deficiency problems and impedes their control programs [84].…”

“…There has also been a call to action from the Micronutrient Forum in terms of increasing the availability and utilization of reliable data on population micronutrient (including vitamin D) status globally [84]. A lack of such data undermines a full understanding of the magnitude of the micronutrient deficiency problems and impedes their control programs [84]. Thus, there is a clear need for strategic investment in quality, accessible surveillance and bio-banking systems among very many countries globally.…”

Challenges for Estimating the Global Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies and Related Disease Burden: A Case Study of the Global Burden of Disease Study

“…Specifically, a recent initiative to develop a strategic plan to increase the availability and utilization of reliable data on population micronutrient status globally also emphasized the need for more data on folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and thiamin ( 6 , 7 ), whose deficiencies may result in physical disability, sensory impairments, restricted physical growth, impaired neurocognitive development, or death ( 21–23 , 91–93 ). Other micronutrients such as riboflavin, niacin, and pyridoxine and mineral elements such as calcium and selenium may be equally important for public health, but information about them is even more limited because of the scarcity of population status data ( 7 ). Without population-level assessments of these micronutrient deficiencies, we will remain uncertain about their public health impact and thus fail to address and prevent potential deficiencies and associated health consequences.…”

“…The Global Dietary Database 2017 identified a total of 1220 dietary surveys, but only 113 surveys assessed dietary iron intake, 78 surveys assessed dietary zinc, and <20 surveys each assessed vitamin A (including vitamin A supplement intake) and iodine intake ( 51 ). Thus, there is a scarcity of information on population micronutrient status based on reliable biomarkers and dietary intake ( 7 ), and there currently is inadequate information to estimate the global prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies reliably for the years of interest from 1990 to the present, which are modeled in the GBD Study.…”

“…Despite the serious consequences of these deficiencies for the individual and for society, there are limited data on vitamin and mineral status of human populations from nationally representative surveys, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This lack of information hinders global, regional, and national efforts to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences ( 6 , 7 ). Information on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is needed to assess the related disease burden; underpin evidence-based advocacy; and design, deliver, target, and monitor safe, effective, and sustainable intervention programs ( 8–10 ).…”