Why focus on dietary diversity for women?

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Compared with men, women – and particularly women of reproductive age - require diets that are higher in nutrient density (nutrients per 100 calories). This makes them vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrient deficiencies impair women’s health and the health of their children. In some settings, women may be disadvantaged in intra-household distribution of nutrient-dense foods (for example, animal-source foods). Improved dietary diversity is one of several strategies for improving micronutrient intakes for women of reproductive age.

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