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Reduction in Micronutrient Malnutrition
Though micronutrients are
required in very small amounts, the consequences of their absence are severe.
Iodine, vitamin A and iron are the most important in global public health
terms, their lack represents a major threat to the health and development of
populations the world over, particularly women and children.
Iodine is an essential
micronutrient required for normal body growth and mental development. In fact
iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent yet easily preventable cause
of brain damage. Nutritional deficiency of iodine reckons its impact right
from the development of the fetus to all ages of human beings. It could
result in abortion, still birth, mental retardation, deaf mutism,
squint, dwarfism, goiter, neuromuscular defects etc.
Iodine deficiency directly affects human resource development which in turn
greatly influences human productivity as well as national development.
Surveys conducted by various Institutions in the country have revealed that
out of 324 districts surveyed in 28 states and 7 Union Territories, 263
districts are endemic to iodine deficiency disorders where the prevalence is
more than 10 percent. However, Iodine deficiency disorders are easily
preventable through regular consumption of iodated salt. As per the National Family Health Survey
(NFHS)-3 (2005-’06), 51.1% households in India are using adequately iodized
salt.
Globally, the most significant
contributor to the onset of anemia is iron deficiency. Main risk factors for
IDA include a low intake of iron, poor absorption if iron from diets high in phytates and phenolic compounds
and a period of life where iron requirements are especially high. NFHS-3
(2006-’06) reports 55.3% women (15-49 years), 24.2% men (15-49 years) and
69.5% children (6-59 months) as anemic. Data from the same survey also shares
that 14.6% children consumed foods rich in iron in the 24 hours preceding the
survey. The major health consequences include poor pregnancy outcomes,
impaired physical and cognitive development, increased
risk of morbidity in children and reduced work productivity in adults. Anemia
contributes to 20% of all maternal deaths. For prevention and control of
anemia, solutions exist which are both inexpensive and effective: dietary
diversification, food fortification with iron, iron supplementation along
with other relevant public health measures. According to the NFHS-3, 4.7%
children received iron supplements in the 7 days preceding the survey.
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is not
easily defined. In recent times, it is the sub-clinical deficiency of vitamin
A which is more common. VAD causes increased morbidity and mortality, poor
reproductive health, increased risk of anemia and slow growth and development
in children in addition to the manifestations of its deficiency in the eye.
According to data available, the prevalence of Bitot’s Spots in preschool children is presently
0.7 per cent. The prevalence of night blindness has reduced to 1.3 per cent
during 1997-2000. VAD can be prevented and controlled through dietary
improvements, food fortification and supplementation. The NFHS-3 statistics
reveal that 47.1% children consumed foods rich in iron 24 hours preceding the
survey and that 18.2 of children
received a vitamin A supplement in the 6 months preceding the survey.
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