Micronutrients and child growth: Current evidence and progress

Vitamins and minerals are essential for growth and metabolism. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 2 billion people are deficient in key vitamins and minerals. Groups most vulnerable to these micronutrient deficiencies are pregnant and lactating women and young children, given their increased nutritional demands. Although direct causal information on the link of micronutrient deficiencies to maternal and fetal malnutrition and child growth is difficult to establish, indirect information related to risk factors and intervention studies does suggest a close relationship between key micronutrients in mothers and children with impaired growth. These include iron, zinc, and multiple micronutrients. Micronutrient deficiency is prevalent in both underweight and obese populations and is linked to pregnancy outcomes. Several strategies are in use globally to address micronutrient deficiencies in children with a focus on survival, but relatively few have addressed growth. These include supplementation as well as food fortification. This presentation will summarize the available global evidence of best practices and strategies, as well as discuss next steps in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals.