Micronutrient Deficiencies Plague Middle East, Urgent Action Needed for Change.
Micronutrient deficiencies in iron, iodine, and vitamin A are common in the Middle East, affecting the health and development of countries in the region. A systematic review of 81 articles found that iron deficiency is still a problem due to ineffective fortification programs, while iodine deficiency persists due to a lack of supplementation. Vitamin A deficiency is also prevalent, with many countries lacking fortification programs. Despite efforts to address these deficiencies, more coordinated and effective programs are needed to combat them in the Middle East.