A systematic review on micronutrient intake adequacy in adult minority populations residing in Europe: the need for action

Ngo et al., 2014 | J Immigr Minor Health | Systematic Review

Citation

Ngo Joy, Roman-Viñas Blanca, ... Serra-Majem Lluis. A systematic review on micronutrient intake adequacy in adult minority populations residing in Europe: the need for action. J Immigr Minor Health. 2014-Oct;16(5):941-50. doi:10.1007/s10903-013-9799-3

Abstract

This systematic review evaluated micronutrient intake inadequacy of ten micronutrients for adult ethnic minority populations residing in Europe. Pubmed was searched for studies, related references were checked and experts consulted. Ten studies were identified and six were included in the final analysis representing Albanian, Roma, Sub-Saharan African, South Asian and African-Caribbean minority groups. The Estimated Average Requirement cut point was applied to estimate inadequate intake. With the exception of a sub-Saharan African study, of seven micronutrients analysed, inadequate intakes were markedly elevated (>50 % of the population in most cases) in both genders for folate, vitamin B(12), calcium and iron (the latter in females only). A pressing need exists for intake adequacy studies with sound methodologies addressing ethnic minority groups in Europe. These populations constitute a vulnerable population for inadequate intakes and results substantiate the need for further investigation, interventions and policy measures to reduce their nutritional risk.

Key Findings

These populations constitute a vulnerable population for inadequate intakes and results substantiate the need for further investigation, interventions and policy measures to reduce their nutritional risk.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Calcium
  • Ethnicity
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Folic Acid
  • Folic Acid Deficiency
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Iron Deficiencies
  • Male
  • Micronutrients
  • Minority Groups
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance


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