Global Micronutrients Deficiencies Essay

For specific particular risk group of people, supplementation is necessary for solving this problem through the population-based approaches which involve food fortification encompasses the best way of safely meeting community health needs as far as these micronutrient deficiencies are concerned. The public health and clinical medicine sector across the globe are however challenged with these complementary methods, food security, education and monitoring systems thus increasing the instances of micronutrient deficiencies. These micronutrients deficiency conditions are attributed to various chronic diseases such as thyroid deficiencies colorectal cancer, osteoporosis osteomalacia and the cardiovascular disease. According to Fageria and Stone (2008), fortification is safe, has a long record of success and its effectivity has been proved in the prevention of specific diseases including the congenital disabilities.

Micronutrient deficiencies increase severity of infectious disease including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and measles. , 2015, p. Its health implications are significant especially in the design of strategies aimed at preventing and controlling global diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other chronic infections (Halpin, Morales-Suárez-Varela, & Martin-Moreno, 2010, p. Micronutrient deficiency worldwide scope In most cases, these deficiencies are neither apparent neither do they primarily depend on food availability nor consumption patterns in different parts of the globe. They are linked to the physiologic impact which can be hazardous to life and in most cases damages the optimal health and functioning. Iron deficiency constitutes the most prevalent nutrition challenge in the globe (Nickol, 2012, p. These recommendations are widely applied across the globe. Summary of the most common micronutrient deficiencies and their global prevalence micronutrient Deficiency prevalence Major deficiency disorders Iron About 2 billion Anemia, limited work and learning capacity, increased maternal mortality, increased infant mortality, reduced birth weight.

iodine Approximately 2 billion Hypothyroidism, goitre, increases stillbirth risks, congenital disabilities, increased infant mortality and cognitive impairment Zinc Relatively high in the developing countries. Poor pregnancy results, stunted growth, genetic disorders, reduced resistance to infectious diseases. Vitamin A About 254 children who are not yet admitted to a school. According to Nickol, (2012) there are evidence of replenishment of Vitamin A from Indonesia and the 1980s Tanzanian experience which yields a suggestion for a more comprehensive approach which is designed to aid in the provision of the therapeutic treatments for the individuals with frank deficiency coupled with preventive strategies for the general population (Schlipköter & Flahault, 2010, p. Food-based approaches encompass the most logical method of integrating the micronutrient control programs. It ensures that the interactions are avoided between the potential concentrated- dose incompatibilities evidenced between the supplements.

It provides that factors such as the susceptibility to oxidation and solubility of the minerals be keenly observed in the food supplements thus making them effective. Food fortification is an approach which has been applied in fighting the micronutrients malnutrition over the years (Calvo & Whiting, 2013, p. , p. Strategies aimed at using agricultural interventions, aquaculture, and animal husbandry, possess a greater potential of aiding in the provision of minerals such as zinc and other micronutrients deficient in such areas. With dietary diversification, consumption of vegetables, fruits legumes, and complementary foods plays a significant role in ensuring that these nutrients are availed in the food available to the people. According to Martin (2013) diversification of the crop cultivation and providing varied food selection with high vitamin and mineral content availed in the market for purchase at affordable prices ensures that balanced diet is availed to the public thus availing this mineral.

School-based health and nutrition interventions. Conclusion Micronutrients deficiency is a joint global health program attributed to incomprehensive food policies characterized by inadequate food security. Food fortification constitutes a necessity for both developing and developed countries in solving this problem. Food fortification along other methods ensures the dietary practices are suitable for human consumption by ensuring that all the essential nutrients are availed for human use. Mineral and vitamin supplementation and fortification policies should be promoted with an objective addressing the widespread micronutrients deficiencies witnessed globally. The government of all the nations should thus mandate these programs to ensure that micronutrient deficiency setbacks are averted. , & Draycott, A.  P. (n. d. Nutrition - Phosphorus, Sulphur, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium and Micronutrients - Liming and Nutrient Deficiencies.