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Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges Due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh

Bidhan Chandra Podder*,  Iffat Margana,  Sabbir Ahmed Tarik,  Nilufar Yeasmin,  Tahfim Ahmed,  Asma Begum
Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 5)
Received: 4 August 2025     Accepted: 15 August 2025     Published: 8 September 2025
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Abstract

Vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, are needed in trace levels for healthy growth and development as well as heightened immunity against illness. They need to come from outside sources because the body isn't able to produce them. Inadequate and inappropriate physical and intellectual development results from malnutrition in vulnerable people, including early childhood, expectant and nursing mothers, and the aged people. meals fortification is a safe and practical way to boost consumption of macronutrients by providing essential nutrients in meals. Long-term developmental goals are impacted by vitamin deficiencies. In order to raise public awareness of the advantages of food fortification, an educational program is required. An extensive summary of Bangladesh's current women's and children's micronutrient deficient status is provided in this article. This study also covers the effectiveness of current intervention programs as well as their current issues. Almost half of all expectant and nursing mothers suffer from anemia. High levels of deficiencies are associated with several critical factors, including sickness, malabsorption, infestation, inadequate nutrition, and poor cleanliness. There have been several attempts at interventions, and some success has been achieved. Issues with coverage, quality, and compliance still exist. Even though severe deficiencies have been somewhat addressed by current intervention initiatives, micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh continue to be a major concern. A more comprehensive strategy is required to enhance the current intervention initiatives. Additionally, fresh approaches of intervention are proposed in order to prevent and treat specific micronutrient deficiencies.

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 5)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12
Page(s) 289-296
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group
Previous article
Keywords

Food Fortification, Micro Nutrient Deficiencies, Micronutrients, Children of Bangladesh, Supplementation, Strategies, Policy

1. Introduction
The World Health Organization estimates that over 2 billion individuals worldwide are deficient in important vitamins and minerals, especially zinc, iron, iodine, and vitamin A
[35]
. Young children and expectant or nursing mothers are reported to be the most susceptible to micronutrient deficits. When micronutrient deficits coexist, populations from wealthy nations are impacted. Food fortification is a safe and effective method that can be used to improve health by preventing vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Worldwide, 19.1 million pregnant women and 190 million preschoolers were estimated by the WHO to be vitamin A deficient (serum retinol less than 0.70 mol/l). Almost 100 million women who are of reproductive age suffer from iodine deficiency
[17]
, and 82% of pregnant women worldwide do not receive enough zinc to meet their needs
[7]
. 1.62 billion people worldwide suffer from iron insufficiency, with preschoolers accounting for the highest percentage of cases (47%), followed by expectant mothers (42%).
WHO estimates show that 0.8 million deaths worldwide are attributed to iron deficiency, and a similar number are caused by vitamin A deficiency. Food fortification is an effective treatment for nutritional deficiencies such as pellagra, beriberi, rickets, and goiter. Emerging folic acid deficiency causes neural tube defects, zinc stunts baby growth, and selenium promotes cancer. These effects are not limited to medical parameters; physical and mental illnesses that impair job productivity can have an economic impact as well
[9]
.
The most commonly fortified foods are wheat, wheat products, corn, rice, milk, and milk products, as well as cooking oils, sauces, salt, sugar, and breakfast cereals. They provide a means of distributing micronutrients and are accessible to consumers in developing nations like Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and many more. New guidelines were released in 2009 by the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force. These strategies were widely used in wealthy nations, and many middle-income nations also adopted them. Rich diets and consumption of fortified foods and beverages, including juices, salt, wheat, margarine, sugar, and milk, have eliminated nutrient shortages in industrialized countries
[34]
.
Most people's diets in Bangladesh are deficient in one or more micronutrients, such as zinc, iodine, iron, and vitamin A
[23]
. Micronutrients, especially iron, zinc, and vitamin A, have limited bioavailability since a large portion of the food that the impoverished eat is plant-based. It is believed that the most significant predictor of decreased micronutrient status in this group is poor dietary quality rather than quantity. Micronutrient deficiencies are more prevalent in young children and in moms who are nursing or pregnant
[2]
.
Micronutrient insufficiency continues to be a serious public health concern despite the fact that many approaches have been tried over the years to address the issue. Analysis of the nation's current micronutrient status for women and children, as well as the successes and shortcomings of current programs, has been made possible by the recently concluded National Micronutrients Status Survey 2011-2012
[13]
. This study also discusses the recommended intervention strategies for Bangladesh's micronutrient deficiencies and their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
2. Food Fortification Play the Key Influencing Factor for Micronutrient Deficiency Prevention
The addition of one or more ingredients to food, whether or not they are already present in the food, with the aim of preventing or improving a known deficiency associated with one or more ingredients in the general population or particular groups within the general population, is known as food fortification, according to the World Health Organization. The process of identifying commonly consumed and centrally processed foods in order to ensure fortification throughout food manufacturing and distribution is known as food fortification. Basic foods and condiments are attractive alternatives for fortification since they are consumed by a bigger section of the population. Fortification can make use of vitamins A, D, iodine, iron, folic acid, zinc, and B-complex vitamins
[34]
.
It is economical to fortify staple foods on a wide scale. The population, especially the impoverished, receives a greater distribution of micronutrients as a result of the fortification of a few costly basic commodities. Foods consumed by specific demographic subgroups-such as newborns-that support higher intake for that population are included in targeted fortification. The supplement meal fortification of young infants is addressed with specificity. The focus of mass and targeted fortification is on micronutrients that are needed by most people
[1]
. The most often used food vehicles fall into three categories: processed commercial foods (dairy products, noodles, infant supplemental meals, and oils), condiments (salt, sugar, and soy sauce), and staples (wheat, oils, and rice).
The immune system and vision depend on vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is added to staple foods including rice, cereal grains, and oils. Fortification with vitamin A aids in preventing vitamin A deficiency, which can cause visual impairments and heightened vulnerability to illness. The fortification of rice, wheat, and maize flour is done to prevent birth anomalies, brain and spinal disorders, and nutritional anemia. It also increases productivity, which promotes economic growth and illustrates the benefits of fortifying wheat, flour, and maize.
Table 1. Role of vitamins and minerals used in flour and rice fortification includes.

Micronutrients

Functions

Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Reduces neural tube birth defects

Zinc

Strengthens immune system

Niacin (vitamin B3)

Prevents Pellagra, a skin disease

Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Boosts carbohydrates, proteins, and fats metabolism

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

Prevents beriberi, a nervous system disease

Vitamin B12

Enables functioning of the brain and nervous system

Vitamin D

Improves bone health by allowing absorption of calcium

Vitamin A

Childhood blindness lowers the ability of individuals to tackle infections

Calcium

Makes bones stronger, helps nerve muscles to transmit messages, functioning of muscles and blood clotting

Selenium

Helps in thyroid gland functioning and reproduction

Vitamin B6

Metabolism involves enzyme reactions
The principal objective of food fortification was to mitigate the emergence of nutritional deficits, particularly those resulting from insufficient availability of essential components. Staple foods produced in a particular location may lack essential nutrients because of their reliance on soil area or inherent adequacy from a regular diet
[1]
. Addition of micronutrients to staples and condiments can help prevent widespread disease deficiency. Food fortification also saves the expense of transporting perishable goods to remote regions of the world, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. The fortification of meat, poultry, and fish products, as well as unprocessed meals, is prohibited by law in the United States and Europe
[1]
.
Many countries have a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency because most people do not get enough vitamin D from their foods and are not exposed to sunlight. Bread, yogurt, spaghetti, and juice are a few foods fortified with vitamin D. Blood levels of vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, are elevated by fortified meals, and the vitamin D bioavailability of both fortified foods and pharmaceutical preparations is similar
[28]
. Fortification works by making regularly eaten foods more nutritious rather than pressuring consumers to change their behavior.
Table 2. Micronutrient deficiencies with disorders and their prevalence around the world
 [6, 8]
.

Micronutrient

Deficiency Pervasiveness

Major Deficiency Disorders

Fortifying vehicle

Iodine

2 billion at risk

Goitre, hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency disorders, increased risk of stillbirth, birth defects infant mortality, cognitive impairment

Salt, bread

Iron

2 billion

Iron deficiency, anaemia, reduced learning, and work capacity, increased maternal and infant mortality, low birth weight

Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice, salt, infant formulas and cookies

Zinc

Largely estimated in the developing countries

Poor pregnancy outcome, impaired growth (Stunting), genetic disorders, decreased resistance to infectious disease

Breakfast cereals, infant formulas, cookies, and diet beverages

Vitamin A

254 million preschool children

Night blindness, xerophthalmia, increased risk of mortality in children and pregnant women

Milk, margarine, yogurts, soft cheese, sugar, monosodium glutamate and tea

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Insufficient data

Megaloblastic Anemia, neural tube, and other birth defects, heart disease, stroke, impaired cognitive function, depression

Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice, cookies, and infant formulas

Cobolamine (Vitamin B12)

Insufficient data

Megaloblastic anaemia (associated with Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric atrophy)

Breakfast cereals, diet beverages, Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice

Thiamine (VitaminB1)

Insufficient data estimated as in developing countries and in famines, displaced persons

Beriberi (cardiac and neurologic), Wernicke’s, and Korsakov syndromes (alcoholic confusion and paralysis)

Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice, infant formulas and cookies, breakfast cereals, vegetable mixtures, and amino acids

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Insufficient data, estimated as in developing countries

Non-specific-fatigue, eye changes, dermatitis, brain dysfunction, impaired iron absorption

Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice, vegetable mixtures, amino acid breakfast cereals, and infant formulas and cookies

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Insufficient data, estimated as in developing countries and in famines, displaced persons

Pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia, death)

Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals, cookies and infant formulas

Vitamin B6

Insufficient data, estimated as in developing countries and in famines, displaced persons

Dermatitis, neurological disorders, convulsions, anaemia, elevated plasma homocysteine

Wheat and corn flours, bread, pasta, rice, infant formulas, cookies, and breakfast cereals

Vitamin C

Common famines, displaced person

Scurvy (fatigue, haemorrhages, low resistance to infection, anaemia)

Diet beverages, juices, and substitute drinks

Vitamin D

Extensive in all age groups, low exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun

Rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, colorectal cancer

Diet beverages, juices, and substitute drinks

Calcium

Insufficient data, estimated to be widespread

Decreased bone mineralization, rickets, osteoporosis

Soymilk, breakfast cereals, infant formulas and cookies, juices, diet beverages and substitute drinks

Selenium

Insufficient data, common in Asia, Scandinavia, Siberia

Cardiomyopathy, increased cancer and cardiovascular risk, osteoarthropathy

Milk, pasta, corn and wheat flours, breakfast cereals, infant formulas, and cookies, juices and spreads

Fluoride

Widespread

Increased dental decay risk

Infant formulas and cookies, breakfast cereals, wheat, and rice flour, milk, juices
A well-considered public health tactic, food fortification may enable a greater number of at-risk individuals to be served through current food delivery systems without necessitating significant adjustments to consumption patterns. Fortified meals also have the added benefit of preserving body storage, making it a cost-effective method of increasing nutritious consumption in the population
[9]
.
3. Micronutrient Deficiency Is the Global Burden for Developing Countries Like Bangladesh
Two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which affect people of all sexes and ages in both developed and developing countries
[3]
. Numerous non-specific physiological issues, such as impaired infection resistance, irregular metabolic processes, and impaired physical and psychomotor development, have been connected to micronutrient deficiency
[14]
. Worldwide, 21% of children were found to be vitamin A deficient, and these children had greater risks of diarrhea, measles, and malaria death. 1.8 percent of eye disorders and over 800,000 baby and maternal deaths worldwide were attributed to vitamin A insufficiency
[27]
.
The normal meals taken in Bangladesh are usually lacking in one or more micronutrients, particularly zinc, iodine, iron, and/or vitamin A. It is inadequate dietary quality rather than quantity that is the main indicator of low micronutrient status in this group. Micronutrient deficiencies are more prevalent in older adults, pregnant and nursing mothers, and small children. A significant proportion of preschool-aged children experience several micronutrient deficits, with one in five experiencing a deficiency in vitamin A, as per the National Micronutrient Survey
[13]
. It is noteworthy that 44% of preschool-aged children experience zinc insufficiency, and 2 out of every 5 preschool-aged children experience vitamin D inadequacy. Twenty-four percent of preschoolers are deficient in calcium, and thirty-three percent of them suffer from anemia, of which seven and a half have iron deficiency anemia
[10]
.
The main underlying causes of micronutrient deficiencies in all population segments have been identified as household food insecurity, poor quality diet (predominately plant-based foods with minimal animal foods), poor dietary diversity, lack of knowledge about food value and diversity, intra- and inter-household disparity, gender inequality and inequity, and lack of social positioning of vulnerable and marginalized populations
[15]
. The most important risk factors also include population density and increased migration from rural to urban areas, which are accompanied by a lack of basic amenities (sanitation, water, etc.); living in a slum or other rural area; not having access to cheap, diverse foods, especially animal sources of nutrition; and not knowing the risks of micronutrient deficiencies and the advantages of consuming enough of them for health
[18-20]
.
3.1. Vitamin A Deficiency Is the Major Public Health Issue for Country Like Bangladesh
Bangladesh has acknowledged VAD as a serious public health concern since the 1960s
[16]
. The prevalence of VAD (defined by the WHO as a serum retinol content of 070 mol/l) has remained consistent, especially among preschool-age (6-59 months) children, even if the severity of the issue has dramatically decreased over the last ten years. Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for healthy growth and development, immune system function, reproduction, and epithelial cellular integrity preservation. Comparable to findings from the 1997-1998 National Vitamin A Survey, the National Micronutrient Survey 2011-12
[13]
reports that only 5.4% of women who are neither pregnant nor nursing have low serum retinol concentrations. According to a study from 2011-2012, roughly 34% of NPNL women had insufficient vitamin A status (Serum retinol 1.005 mol/L), up from 29% in 1997-98.
[21, 37]
.
Since 2011, the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign for children aged 6 to 59 months has been implemented by the government of Bangladesh. VAC (100,000 IU retinol equivalent) is given to infants 6 to 11 months of age, and VAC (200, 000 IU) is given to infants 12 to 59 months of age. Although vitamin A reserves in individuals with VAD can drop below optimal levels following a high-dose supplementation, it is believed that dosage at intervals of four to six months is adequate to prevent significant VAD consequences, according to global studies
[29, 31]
.
Figure 1. Potential benefits of food fortification across the life cycle. Source: Irizarry, L, Prost, MA, Murillo, D, Lopez de Romaña Daniel et al. 2017. Scaling Up Rice Fortification in Latin America and the Caribbean. World Food Programme and Sight and Life: 2017. WRA = Women of Reproductive Age.
All population groups have been linked to VAD. These factors include low socioeconomic status, living in a slum, ignorance of foods high in vitamin A and/or their health benefits, low intake of animal sources of vitamin A, especially by households experiencing severe food insecurity, and a preponderance of low bioavailability plant-based vitamin A.
3.2. Iodine Deficiency Is the Burning Nation-wide Problem for Developing Countries
In Bangladesh, iodine deficiency infections have long been acknowledged as a public health concern, despite the difficulty in obtaining reliable statistics. According to the
[13]
, the mean urine iodine concentration (UIC) for school-aged children across the country is less than 100 g/L, indicating a prevalence of up to 40% iodine insufficiency. This prevalence has stayed relatively constant since 1999. Although the prevalence of severe iodine deficiency, or goitre, among school-aged children is not currently known, previous research has demonstrated a dramatic decline in goitre prevalence, from 50% in 1993 to 6.3% in 2004-05
[37]
.
The main risk factors for I deficiency in the Bangladeshi population have been identified as household food insecurity, lack of access to iodized packaged salt, living in a rural area, low levels of awareness about the health benefits of I and iodized salts, consumption of industrial salt (non-iodized), and ignorance about iodized salt preservation.
3.3. Anemia and Iron Deficiency Can Cause Early Neonatal Mortality and Maternal Mortality
As per the NMS 2011-2012, anemia was diagnosed in 33 percent of children aged 6-59 months and 26 percent of NPNL women. Anemia was defined as a Hb concentration of 110 g/l in children aged 6-59 months and 120 g/l in NPNL women
[36]
. Compared to the prevalence reported in 1997-1998 (47 percent in children aged 6-59 months and 45 percent in NPNL women) and 2003 (557% in children aged 6-59 months and 45 percent in NPNL women), these results demonstrate a significant decline. Anemia is the result of an iron shortage, and symptoms include pale lips, tongue, gums, inner eyelids, and skin. Breathlessness, headaches, and exhaustion are further symptoms
[38]
. Young children and expectant mothers are reported to be particularly vulnerable. A low iron level may contribute to early infant mortality and maternal mortality
[5, 22, 25]
.
3.4. Zinc Deficiency Prevalence Rate Is High Among Pre-school Age
The NMS 2011-2012 reports that the prevalence of zinc insufficiency is 446 percent in preschool-age children and 573% in NPNL women, with the highest rates found in slum areas
[12]
. Zn deficiency was determined by the International Zinc Consultative Group as a blood concentration of 101 mmol/l in NPNL women and 109 mmol/l in preschool-aged children
[32]
. Large prevalence of low blood Zn is considered a probable signal of a very severe shortage because serum Zn is homeostatically maintained and cannot detect marginal shortfall. Low socioeconomic position, food instability in the home, low consumption of animal sources of zinc, and high consumption of a plant-based diet high in phytate
[24-26]
.
3.5. Vitamin D Deficiency Is Common in School-going Children
Because it helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which supports bone mineralization, muscular contraction, nervous system activity, and cellular functioning, vitamin D is crucial for human health
[33]
. A blood vitamin D level of less than 50.0 nmol/L indicated vitamin D insufficiency in 39.6% of preschoolers and 45.5% of school-age children. The highest percentage of vitamin D deficiency in preschoolers was found among the poorest and most severely food insecure households. However, it is highest for school-age children in the wealthiest and most food-secure homes
[13]
. In addition, the National Rickets Survey conducted in 2008 revealed that children between the ages of one and fifteen had a 1% incidence of rickets, with 62% of cases being children under the age of five
[11]
. For the high-risk population groups in the nation, there is presently no national policy or program in place to prevent vitamin D insufficiency. Potential interventions include the government's willingness to collaborate with stakeholders, enough sunlight nationwide, enough bodies of water for fish culture, a homogeneous society, the presence of common fortification food vehicles, women's empowerment, and the possibility of a school feeding program
[39]
.
However, improving the population's vitamin D status will require a significant political commitment. It is important to note that as part of routine prenatal care, the WHO currently does not recommend vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy
[29]
.
3.6. Vitamin B Deficiencies in Infants
There are currently no statistics on the estimates of B vitamin deficiencies in newborns and children at the national level. NMS 2011-2012 reports that 23% of NPNL women had some degree of vitamin B12 insufficiency, and 9% of these women are low in folate
[11]
.
4. Etiology of Micronutrient Deficiency
The diet of the great majority of Bangladeshis consists mostly of plant-based foods. They eat few animal products, such as milk, eggs, and milk derivatives, and have a limited variety of diets. Thus, low bioavailability and low-quality diets might be the main contributors to micronutrient shortages in the nation. Based on estimated average requirements, a study of dietary micronutrient intake among young children and their primary female caregivers in rural Bangladesh revealed a relatively low overall mean prevalence of micronutrient intake sufficiency in children (43%) and women (26%)
[23]
. Limited diversity owing to low socio-economic status and family food insecurity, low levels of awareness in connection to an adequate diet and hygienic habits, as well as illness and infestation have all been recognized as key underlying causes of micronutrient deficiencies in the nation.
5. Preventive Measures for the Micronutrient Deficiency
Effective fortification initiatives and addressing the challenges of nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable groups are primarily made possible by the following factors, among others:
Policymakers to assure fortification across the country; a dominant individual to advocate fortification; an organization with the ability for research to assess the impact; the food industry to fortify food; regulatory organizations to guarantee and keep an eye on compliance.
A national coalition is a prerequisite for fortification in the nation. Public, business, and civic sector participation follows, and a deeper understanding of the benefits of fortification for health and the economy emerges
[30]
.
6. Conclusions
Over the past few decades, Bangladesh has seen a significant decline in the severity of many micronutrient deficiencies; yet a sizable portion of the population-particularly women and children-remains deficient in critical micronutrients. The review also illustrated the consequences of fortifying food with critical vitamins and minerals for human health. Food fortification is a nutritional intervention program with a defined target audience. The program's success is based on whether the target group accepts, buys, and consumes the fortified food
[4]
. To address the issue of micronutrient deficiencies, a number of intervention programs are in place, with a focus on vitamin A, Fe, and I deficits. However, the degree of success these measures have achieved is far from satisfactory. Nutrient-specific nutrition policies and programs are unlikely to prevent and control micronutrient insufficiency given the complexity of the factors that lead to micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh and other low-income countries. Enough resources and effective coordination between workers in the food and health sectors are also essential for guaranteeing the provision of high-quality services, accurate monitoring, and reporting for better outcomes with regard to the micronutrient status of the targeted populations.
Author Contributions
Bidhan Chandra Podder: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Iffat Margana: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Sabbir Ahmed Tarik: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Nilufar Yeasmin: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Tahfim Ahmed: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Asma Begum: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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[38] Zimmermann MB, C. C. R. F., 2010. The effect of iron fortification on the gut microbiota in African children: a ran domized control trial in Cote d’Ivoire. Am J Clin Nutr, Volume 32, p. 1406.
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    Podder, B. C., Margana, I., Tarik, S. A., Yeasmin, N., Ahmed, T., et al. (2025). The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges Due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 14(5), 289-296. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12

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    ACS Style

    Podder, B. C.; Margana, I.; Tarik, S. A.; Yeasmin, N.; Ahmed, T., et al. The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges Due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2025, 14(5), 289-296. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12

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    AMA Style

    Podder BC, Margana I, Tarik SA, Yeasmin N, Ahmed T, et al. The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges Due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2025;14(5):289-296. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12,
  author = {Bidhan Chandra Podder and Iffat Margana and Sabbir Ahmed Tarik and Nilufar Yeasmin and Tahfim Ahmed and Asma Begum},
  title = {The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges Due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh
},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {289-296},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20251405.12},
  abstract = {Vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, are needed in trace levels for healthy growth and development as well as heightened immunity against illness. They need to come from outside sources because the body isn't able to produce them. Inadequate and inappropriate physical and intellectual development results from malnutrition in vulnerable people, including early childhood, expectant and nursing mothers, and the aged people. meals fortification is a safe and practical way to boost consumption of macronutrients by providing essential nutrients in meals. Long-term developmental goals are impacted by vitamin deficiencies. In order to raise public awareness of the advantages of food fortification, an educational program is required. An extensive summary of Bangladesh's current women's and children's micronutrient deficient status is provided in this article. This study also covers the effectiveness of current intervention programs as well as their current issues. Almost half of all expectant and nursing mothers suffer from anemia. High levels of deficiencies are associated with several critical factors, including sickness, malabsorption, infestation, inadequate nutrition, and poor cleanliness. There have been several attempts at interventions, and some success has been achieved. Issues with coverage, quality, and compliance still exist. Even though severe deficiencies have been somewhat addressed by current intervention initiatives, micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh continue to be a major concern. A more comprehensive strategy is required to enhance the current intervention initiatives. Additionally, fresh approaches of intervention are proposed in order to prevent and treat specific micronutrient deficiencies.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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  • TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Significance of Food Fortification for Prevention of Major Health Challenges Due to Micronutrient Deficiencies (MND) for Under 5 Years Children in Bangladesh

AU  - Bidhan Chandra Podder
AU  - Iffat Margana
AU  - Sabbir Ahmed Tarik
AU  - Nilufar Yeasmin
AU  - Tahfim Ahmed
AU  - Asma Begum
Y1  - 2025/09/08
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 289
EP  - 296
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251405.12
AB  - Vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, are needed in trace levels for healthy growth and development as well as heightened immunity against illness. They need to come from outside sources because the body isn't able to produce them. Inadequate and inappropriate physical and intellectual development results from malnutrition in vulnerable people, including early childhood, expectant and nursing mothers, and the aged people. meals fortification is a safe and practical way to boost consumption of macronutrients by providing essential nutrients in meals. Long-term developmental goals are impacted by vitamin deficiencies. In order to raise public awareness of the advantages of food fortification, an educational program is required. An extensive summary of Bangladesh's current women's and children's micronutrient deficient status is provided in this article. This study also covers the effectiveness of current intervention programs as well as their current issues. Almost half of all expectant and nursing mothers suffer from anemia. High levels of deficiencies are associated with several critical factors, including sickness, malabsorption, infestation, inadequate nutrition, and poor cleanliness. There have been several attempts at interventions, and some success has been achieved. Issues with coverage, quality, and compliance still exist. Even though severe deficiencies have been somewhat addressed by current intervention initiatives, micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh continue to be a major concern. A more comprehensive strategy is required to enhance the current intervention initiatives. Additionally, fresh approaches of intervention are proposed in order to prevent and treat specific micronutrient deficiencies.

VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

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