micronutrientpoor

Micronutrientpoor is a term used in nutrition science to describe diets or populations whose intake of essential micronutrients—such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc, folate, and others—is below recommended levels, even when total caloric intake may be adequate or excessive. Such diets are characterized by low micronutrient density and high reliance on energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.

Micronutrient inadequacy contributes to the phenomenon of hidden hunger, a form of undernutrition that can impair growth, immune function, and development. Common drivers include limited dietary diversity, poverty, limited access to fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods, and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods. These deficiencies can be mitigated by fortification and supplementation programs and by improving access to nutrient-rich foods.

Health impacts vary by micronutrient but may include iron-deficiency anemia, iodine deficiency disorders affecting cognitive development, vitamin A deficiency causing vision problems, folate deficiency linked to birth defects, and zinc deficiency affecting immune responses. Assessment of micronutrient status relies on dietary intake surveys and biomarkers (for example, ferritin for iron, retinol for vitamin A, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D for vitamin D).

Public health strategies to address micronutrientpoor diets emphasize dietary diversification, fortification of staple foods, supplementation in high-risk groups, and related policy measures to improve nutrient availability and accessibility across populations.