Nutrition: Micronutrient Intake, Imbalances, and Interventions

Excerpt

Micronutrient intake is vital for maintaining health and preventing diseases throughout life. While whole foods should be the primary source of micronutrients, supplementation is necessary in certain cases. Both deficiencies and excess intake of micronutrients can have adverse effects. Common deficiencies include vitamin A, folate, iodine, iron, and zinc. Strategies like fortification and biofortification help combat deficiencies. Healthcare professionals must collaborate to identify at-risk individuals, manage imbalances, and promote evidence-based nutrition guidelines. The emphasis should be on diverse diets and cautious supplementation.