Diets which lack adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals lead to nutritional deficiency diseases (‘micronutrient malnutrition’). Although the major malnutrition problems are found in developing countries, people in developed countries also suffer from various forms of micronutrient deficiency (1).

 

The first step in assessing the micronutrient status of a population involves determining the number of cases (prevalence), severity and distribution of micronutrient deficiencies, which is done by using clinical and biochemical indicators of deficiency. The assessment is usually based on existing information, such as reports and data from ministries of agriculture and health, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) offices, surveys by Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), and scientific literature. Additional information may be obtained through interviews with relevant local officials and experts.

 

The steps in assessing micronutrient status include

 

Initial Analysis

• Is there likely to be a problem with micronutrient deficiency?
• Are the problems getting better or worse?
• What areas, populations, and age groups are most likely to be at risk?
• What other nutritional and health problems affect the population?

 

Assess by using existing data from in-country surveys from similar populations, conducting rapid assessments in suspected high-risk areas, and reviewing case reports  of experiences of individuals working in the areas, and community-level perceptions of the problem.

 
Epidemiological Assessment

• Identify possible underlying causes (inadequate intake, high infection rates, socio-economic and market factors)
• Quantify the severity of the problem on specific at-risk areas/groups
• Identify potentially effective interventions

 

by conducting sample surveys focused on high-risk areas, including community level assessments of dietary patterns, seasonality in availability of micronutrient-rich foods, access to markets, agricultural extension, communication channels, health services, and conducting more detailed dietary assessment, including infant feeding practices (2).

 

References 

1. Preventing micronutrient malnutrition: A guide to food-based approaches - A manual for policy makers and programme planners. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), 1997.

 

2. Gillespie S. Mason J. Controlling vitamin A deficiency. State-of-the-Art Series Nutrition Policy Discussion Paper No. 14. ACC/SCN, Geneva, 1994.