MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY AS A GLOBAL PROBLEM

Micronutrient deficiency, often referred to as “hidden hunger”, affects an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, with the majority of the affected population living in low- and middle-income countries. The persistent burden of this problem is closely associated with insufficient dietary diversity, driven by economic constraints, limited access to high-quality food products, and technological shortcomings of food systems. Objective. To analyze micronutrient deficiency as a global problem. Materials and methods. A systematic review of the literature on the global nature of micronutrient deficiency in low- and middle-income countries was conducted. The bibliosemantic approach allowed us to identify the main micronutrients and summarize the factors influencing their impact on population health, while the analytical method provided the integration of information to form generalized conclusions and determine current trends in the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency and its impact on health worldwide. Results. The analysis of the literature data enabled to substantiate the extreme relevance of the deficiency of essential micronutrients as a sign of a deep crisis of adequate nutrition of the population on a global scale. It is shown that hidden hunger is an important aspect that can undermine the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to health, education and poverty eradication. The analysis demonstrates that the deficiency of the most common micronutrients (iron, vitamins A and D, iodine and zinc) is the cause of numerous pathologies, including growth defects, vision, immune defense, osteomalacia and osteoporosis, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, some forms of cancer and autoimmune disorders, cognitive development. The solution to the problems of micronutrient deficiency through food fortification and the use of functional foods is justified. Conclusion. The development and urgent implementation of international programs to address micronutrient deficiency should be recognized as an essential component of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.