Micronutrient Deficiencies in Guatemala: Analysis, Trends, and Call to Action

a baby gets weighed in GuatemelaDeficiencies in micronutrients during the first 1,000 days (from conception through a child’s second birthday) has an adverse impact on growth, development, and health in childhood, and plays a role in the development of chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood. An analysis, completed by FANTA partner INCAP, presents the status of micronutrient deficiencies among children under 5 years of age and women of reproductive age in Guatemala, with an emphasis on iron, zinc, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, and iodine. The report provides evidence for the need to develop and update policy and technical guidelines in Guatemala to address micronutrient deficiencies as a public health concern, and within the context of Guatemala’s national strategy for the prevention of chronic malnutrition.

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