Women in resource-poor settings are at risk of inadequate intakes of multiple micronutrients

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #adult #deficiency-diseases #developing-countries #diet

Women in resource-poor settings are at risk of inadequate intakes of multiple micronutrients

Torheim et al., 2010 | J Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Torheim Liv Elin, Ferguson Elaine L, ... Arimond Mary. Women in resource-poor settings are at risk of inadequate intakes of multiple micronutrients. J Nutr. 2010-Nov;140(11):2051S-8S. doi:10.3945/jn.110.123463

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted to identify all studies that were published between 1988 and 2008 reporting micronutrient intakes of women in resource-poor settings. Inclusion criteria were study location (resource-poor), dietary assessment method (24-h recall, estimated/weighed record, or locally validated FFQ), energy and 1 or more micronutrient intakes reported (vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron, or zinc), age range (15-50 y), sample size (≥30), and sex (female). Of the 1560 papers identified, 52 papers were included. Results showed that, except for vitamin A (29%), vitamin C (34%), and niacin (34%), the reported mean/median intakes in over 50% of studies were below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Folate intake was most often below EAR (91% of studies). Regional differences were apparent for intakes of vitamins A, C, and B-6 and riboflavin; mean/median intakes in Latin America exceeded the EAR, whereas in Asia, reported mean/median intakes of vitamin C, vitamin A, and riboflavin were below the EAR in 47, 50, and 77% of the studies, respectively, as was the case for vitamin B-6 in 75% of the studies in Africa. These results suggest that inadequate intakes of multiple micronutrients are common among women living in resource-poor settings and emphasize the need for increased attention to the quality of women's diets. There is a need for more high-quality studies of women's micronutrient intakes.

Key Findings

There is a need for more high-quality studies of women's micronutrient intakes.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Deficiency Diseases
  • Developing Countries
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients
  • Middle Aged
  • Poverty Areas
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09