Almost a quarter of the people in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from micronutrient malnutrition or ‘hidden hunger.’ This problem disproportionately affects women of reproductive age, infants, and young children, many of whom suffer deficiencies of essential micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron and zinc. Micronutrient malnutrition results in several health problems including weak immune system, visual impairment, night blindness in pregnant women and children, cognitive ability, retarded growth and reproductive potential, increased risk of disease and ultimately affects the general productivity of populations. Ways of Combating hidden hunger include biofortification, supplementation,fortification and dietary diversity.
Authors: Building Nutritious Food Baskets Project
Pages: 2
Publication Date: June 30, 2017
Keywords: BNFB, Hidden hunger, High vitamin A, micronutrient malnutrition, sub-Saharan Africa