2.3 Micronutrient Deficiencies

The issue of micronutrient status and deficiencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is discussed, the focus being on anaemia as the main symptom of iron deficiency, iodine status as well as zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, folate and vitamin B12. While the status of iodine has improved in recent years, not least due to efficient salt iodization programmes, the prevalence of anaemia is high in the region, especially in children, women of child-bearing age and pregnant women, and even though data about the status of other micronutrients is less abundant, there is evidence that deficiencies of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, folate and, to a lesser extent, vitamin B12 are also common.