vitamins

Introduction

most micronutrient deficiencies are uncommon in high-income countries, however, certain groups remain at risk, including older adults (vitamin D, B6, choline), pregnant women (iron), and those with restricted diets such as vegans.
- Vitamin D deficiency is common, particularly among non-Hispanic Black Americans and women; severe deficiencies are often linked to low exposure to sunlight.
vitamin A, iron, and iodine deficiencies became an important focus of global nutrition activities in the 1980s, particularly after research showed that vitamin A supplementation could lower preschooler mortality by 34%. Since then, various interventions, including nutrition education, crop biofortification, food fortification, and supplements, have been used to address micronutrient deficiencies in LMICs through efforts such as the Food Fortification Initiative. Today, 94 countries have laws that require the fortification of grains like rice, maize, and wheat.¹⁾

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