Micronutrients are compounds required in amounts less than 100 mg/day. It includes vitamins and minerals. However, its impact on a body’s health is critical, and its deficiency can cause severe life-threatening conditions. Micronutrients are required to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for normal growth and development.
Deficiencies of iron, vitamin A and iodine are the most common particularly in children and pregnant women but they can also lead to less clinically notable reductions in energy level, mental clarity and overall capacity. Many of these deficiencies are preventable through nutrition education and consumption of a healthy diet containing diverse foods, as well as food fortification and supplementation.
