Nutrition In Medicine: Micronutrients

Abstract

Micronutrients, comprising essential vitamins and minerals, play a pivotal role in sustaining physiological functions, promoting growth, and preventing chronic diseases. Despite their necessity in trace amounts, deficiencies in micronutrients termed as "hidden hunger" affect over two billion people globally, posing a significant public health burden. This comprehensive review explores the biochemical, clinical, dietary, and functional assessment of micronutrient status while highlighting the most common deficiencies, including iron, vitamin A, folate, iodine, vitamin D, and calcium.

Populations at heightened risk include pregnant women, children, and the elderly, with micronutrient deficiencies contributing to impaired immunity, cognitive dysfunction, poor bone health, and increased susceptibility to infectious and chronic diseases. Factors influencing micronutrient requirements such as age, sex, physical activity, and health conditions are critically examined alongside global dietary inadequacies.

The article emphasizes assessment techniques like biomarker analysis, food frequency questionnaires, and functional testing, along with interventions such as dietary modifications, supplementation strategies, public health initiatives, and food fortification. It also investigates emerging research areas, including the role of the gut microbiome, genetic predispositions, and personalized nutrition approaches.

The synergistic and antagonistic interactions between micronutrients and their modulation by drugs and dietary patterns are discussed to underline the complexity of achieving optimal micronutrient balance. Future directions emphasize integrating nutrigenomics and advanced bio-profiling to develop tailored nutritional recommendations. Conclusively, addressing micronutrient deficiencies demands a multi-sectoral, evidence-based approach encompassing education, policy reforms, and innovation in dietary strategies to ensure better health outcomes across populations.