Micronutrient deficiencies and effect of supplements on correcting them.

The etiology of micronutrient deficiencies in infancy is well described. The deficiencies are caused by one of the following four scenarios: (a) low initial stores of micronutrients from micronutrient deficiency during gestation, premature birth or low birthweight; (b) rapid postnatal growth; (c) ingestion of foods with low concentration of micronutrients, and (d) gastrointestinal pathology resulting in the malabsorption of nutrients, including micronutrients. Understanding the cause of the deficiencies is essential in planning interventions to either prevent or treat them. This chapter will focus on the dietary causes of micronutrient deficiencies and recent strategies to correct them.