Introduction: Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

This Food and Nutrition Bulletin supplement summarizes updated prevalence data on micronutrient deficiencies in Latin America and the Caribbean ( LAC). In order to provide an updated view of micronutrient status in LAC, systematic reviews were performed utilizing national health surveys and research-oriented studies focused on the prevalence of deficiencies of vitamin A, folate, anemia ( as a proxy of iron deficiency), and zinc. Results show that the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency has been reduced in many countries, folate deficiency is now almost non-existent, low or marginal vitamin B-12 status is still prevalent in most locations, anemia remains a public health problem among children under 6 years of age and women of childbearing age in most surveyed countries, and there is a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in children under 6 years of age and girls and women 12 to 49 years of age. Thus, regardless of improvements in the overall rates of economic growth in LAC, deficiencies of these micronutrients still remain a public health problem.