Micronutrients — Assessment, Requirements, Deficiencies, and Intervention

This review article presents a comprehensive overview of key concepts in micronutrient science, including classification, historical discovery, global and U.S. prevalence of deficiencies, and strategies for assessment and intervention. It discusses the challenges in determining nutrient requirements and the limitations of current biomarker methodologies. Deficiencies remain significant in low- and middle-income countries, while vitamin D and B12 inadequacies persist even in high-income populations. The article evaluates national supplementation and fortification programs and stresses the importance of sensitive biomarker technologies and personalized interventions. Future opportunities include integrating omics approaches for deeper insight into subclinical deficiencies and their long-term health impacts.

This review article presents a comprehensive overview of key concepts in micronutrient science, including classification, historical discovery, global and U.S. prevalence of deficiencies, and strategies for assessment and intervention. It discusses the challenges in determining nutrient requirements and the limitations of current biomarker methodologies. Deficiencies remain significant in low- and middle-income countries, while vitamin D and B12 inadequacies persist even in high-income populations. The article evaluates national supplementation and fortification programs and stresses the importance of sensitive biomarker technologies and personalized interventions. Future opportunities include integrating omics approaches for deeper insight into subclinical deficiencies and their long-term health impacts.