Micronutrients

Called micronutrients because they are needed only in minuscule amounts, these substances are the “magic wands” that enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances essential for proper growth and development. As tiny as the amounts are, however, the consequences of their absence are severe. Iodine, vitamin A and iron are most important in global public health terms; their lack represents a major threat to the health and development of populations the world over, particularly children and pregnant women in low-income countries.

Micronutrient deficiencies

Statements

Recommendations on wheat and maize flour fortification meeting report: Interim Consensus Statement (2009)

Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) in women of reproductive age: its role in promoting optimal maternal and child health (2009)

Preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies in populations affected by an emergency (2007)

Reaching Optimal Iodine Nutrition in Pregnant and Lactating Women and Young Children (2007)
Revised 20th November 2007

Iron supplementation of young children in regions where malaria transmission is intense and infectious disease highly prevalent (2006)

Focusing on anaemia: towards an integrated approach for effective anaemia control (2004)

Meeting/Consultation

WHO Technical Consultation on Vitamin A in Newborn Health - Mechanistic Studies
1-3 December 2009, Geneva, Switzerland

WHO Guideline Development: Effects and Safety of Vitamin A Supplementation in Populations
19-20 October 2009, Geneva, Switzerland

Estimating appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals for food fortification programmes: A WHO modeling software program
22 July 2009, Geneva, Switzerland

WHO Technical Consultation on Neonatal Vitamin A Supplementation Research Priorities
4-5 December 2008, Geneva Switzerland

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