Micronutrient deficiencies continue to pose a serious threat to global health, silently impairing immune function, growth, and survival, especially in vulnerable populations. In a recent episode of the Nutrients Webinar Series hosted by MDPI and Sciforum (1), leading experts explored the critical role of vitamin supplementation in preventing disease and promoting health (2).
Vitamin deficiencies affect billions globally and demand urgent, innovative solutions tailored to real-world needs. This article entails expert insights from the Nutrients Webinar Series, exploring the roles of supplementation, fortification, and diagnostic tools in addressing this silent crisis.
Framing the Challenge: Prof. Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer
Setting the stage, Prof. Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer shared alarming data on global vitamin insufficiency. An estimated 4 billion people fall short of recommended levels for key nutrients like vitamins E, B2, C, and folate, while nearly 88% of the global population has suboptimal vitamin D levels (3).
Prof. Eggersdorfer emphasized the superiority of blood biomarkers over dietary intake surveys in assessing nutrient status. Using vitamins D and E as case studies, he highlighted their protective roles against conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. His presentation reinforced the importance and safety of strategic supplementation, including vitamin D at doses up to 4,000 IU/day (3).
The Heart of the Issue: Prof. Dr. Florian Schweigert
Prof. Dr. Florian Schweigert, a global expert on vitamin A, delivered the webinar’s most impactful message: vitamin A deficiency is not only widespread, with over 190 million children under five affected, but also entirely preventable. The condition remains a major cause of child blindness and mortality in low-resource settings (3).
Prof. Schweigert explained the biological nuances of vitamin A, including the difference between preformed vitamin A from animal sources and plant-based provitamin A carotenoids. He underscored the complexity of measuring vitamin A status, which depends on liver stores and is confounded by inflammation, making accurate monitoring especially challenging (3).
Vitamin A deficiency is heavily concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. To combat this, Prof. Schweigert outlined four key intervention strategies: supplementation, food-based dietary improvements, industrial fortification, and biofortification. Each must be adapted to local contexts for lasting impact (3).
Clinical Insights: Prof. Dr. Stefan Bücker
Adding a clinical perspective, Prof. Dr. Stefan Bücker presented findings on vitamin metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). His research revealed that micronutrient levels, including niacin and vitamin C, can be impaired by disease mechanisms unrelated to intake, highlighting the need for personalized nutrient assessment in medical care (3).
From Knowledge to Action
This webinar underscored that tackling vitamin deficiencies requires more than awareness; it calls for innovation, collaboration, and implementation tailored to real-world challenges.
Prof. Schweigert’s work exemplifies this approach. Through his work with BioAnalyt, he has spearheaded the development of iCheck, a portable, field-ready tool that allows for rapid analysis of vitamin A in fortified foods like cooking oil. These devices bypass the cost and delays of traditional laboratory testing, enabling more timely and effective nutrition programs.
Curious about how you can ensure the quality of your fortified foods? Want to see iCheck in action?
Get in touch with us today to learn how our tools can support your food quality and nutrition goals.
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