UNIMMAP

Deficiencies of micronutrients are a major global health problem. The groups most vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies are pregnant women, lactating women and young children, mainly because they have a relatively greater need for vitamins and minerals and are more susceptible to the harmful consequences of deficiencies. For a pregnant woman, these include a greater risk of dying during childbirth, or of giving birth to underweight or mentally-impaired babies. For a lactating mother, her micronutrient status determines the health and development of her breast fed infant, especially during the first 6 months of her life.