UCC experts: Public facing 'silent crisis' of nutrient deficiency

A micronutrient deficiency is defined as a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that are required in small amounts by the body for proper growth and development.

A micronutrient deficiency is caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that are required for proper growth and development.

Two leading professors from University College Cork (UCC) have warned that Europe is at risk of a "nutrient deficiency" that could hurt children's development and cause issues with healthy aging among older adults.

A micronutrient (MN) deficiency is defined as a lack of essential vitamins and minerals that are required in small amounts by the body for proper growth and development. It can cause several serious health issues, the most common of which is anaemia — brought about from a lack of vitamins B12 and A.

Essential micronutrients include, but are not limited to: iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

Professor Kevin Cashman and Professor Mairead Kiely are leading experts in the field, based in UCC's School of Food and Nutritional Sciences in the Centre of Vitamin D and Nutrition Research.

As part of a new project which has received €10m in funding, they have warned that the population is facing a MN deficiency, but that the potential scale of the problem is unclear.

The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU Project is a 19-partner consortium for ground-breaking research into tackling micronutrient deficiency in Europe over the next four years. Dr Jennifer Browne and Ms Anna Power from the UCC Academy will provide project management support to the consortium.

Two leading professors from University College Cork say the issue could hurt children's development and cause issues with healthy aging among older adults.

MN deficiency arises from inadequate intake or absorption of essential minerals and vitamins. Affecting most population groups, the scale of the problem, its effects on health, and the costs it incurs to the health sector and to economic development are unknown.

It is feared this issue particularly affects children, adolescents, pregnant women, older adults, migrant communities, and those affected by social inequalities. 

Because it is likely to be highly prevalent, addressing the issue of micronutrient malnutrition requires comprehensive data on MN deficiency prevalence, its underlying causes, and possible solutions. 

The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project

Both Professor Cashman and Professor Kiely are optimistic about the project's potential impact in the future.

They explained: "Zero_HiddenHunger_EU represents a landmark effort to confront the silent crisis of MN deficiency in Europe. 

"By leveraging innovative research methodologies and collaborative partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful change and ensure equitable access to essential nutrients across European populations."

Enterprise Ireland's Mark Sweeney noted: “Micronutrient deficiency is a major global health issue and can have very serious and debilitating consequences, particularly amongst vulnerable groups. 

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"The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project is an excellent example of Irish researchers competing at the very highest level of European research and winning. 

"The innovative approach of this €10m UCC-led project has the potential to help understand, prevent, and control micronutrient deficiency and have significant positive impacts in terms of human health. 

"I would like to congratulate Professor Kiely and Professor Kevin Cashman and wish them well for the duration of the project.” 

It is estimated that 145,000 people in Ireland are either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition at any given time, which can be exacerbated by an MN deficiency. Globally, it’s estimated that over half of children under five years old are micronutrient deficient, particularly in African countries with large populations.