Editorial

Citation

Blades, M. (2010), "Editorial", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 40 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2010.01740eaa.001

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 40, Issue 5.

Micronutrients

This special issue of Nutrition & Food Science concentrates on micronutrients which are vitamins and minerals required in very small quantities in our bodies, which are essential for a number of different functions, including growth and development.

Despite requiring only trace amounts, micronutrient deficiencies are widespread, and said to affect approximately 2 billion people worldwide, the equivalent of a third of the world's population.

Micronutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with chronic hunger in developing countries however they are all also commonly seen in developing countries due to an unbalanced diet of overly processed foods.

Even in developed countries common deficiencies in school-age children are due to lack of iron and vitamin A. Such deficiencies negatively impact on children's physical growth and mental development leading to stunting, poor cognitive function and poor school performance. They also increase children's susceptibility to infection by impairing immune function.

Papers included in this Nutrition & Food Science are:

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  One paper is on the effects of low vitamin D status on the development of diabetes. Today there is a realisation that vitamin D has wider ranging effects rather than just on calcium absorption and bone formation and the development of rickets but also on the development of diabetes.

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  Iron deficiency is common both in the developing world and also the West with deficiencies being particularly common in women of child bearing age. The use of fortified biscuits to assist the iron status of teenage girls in India is discussed in one paper as is the effect of phytic acid on the absorption of iron.

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  A paper from India on dietary diversity as an indicator of micronutrient adequacy in children shows interesting findings on micronutrient intake which is a major problem in most developing countries. Dietary diversity which is linked with economic status has a major effect on intake.

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  Various workers have postulated that calcium intake may affect body composition as regards body fat mass. The review paper on calcium and body composition did not substantiate this idea but provides a very useful review of the subject.

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  Water soluble vitamins are easily oxidised and a paper from Lebanon looks at the amount of vitamin C in traditional meals when cooked and also when refrigerated.

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  Following on with the subject of vitamin C a paper from Mauritius discusses the glycation end products and also the effect of vitamin C and suggests future benefits to those with diabetes.

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  Finally there are two papers, which examine the vitamins and minerals in Camelina sativa seeds as well as the bioactivity of Iranian medicinal plants, which fit in with the current quest for “super foods” which have a high content of nutrients.

While the use of vitamins and mineral supplements is no substitute for a well balanced diet they are of great benefit to numerous people who cannot take enough of a vitamin or mineral by dietary means. With this in mind the Vitafoods Exhibition in Geneva has been covered as a conference report but for anyone with an interest in any aspect of supplements this massive exhibition is worth attending and the web site worth looking at.

Mabel Blades