Common Macro Nutrient Deficiencies

Iodine

     EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY

• goitre (swelling in the neck)
• reduced mental capacity
• infant death
• stunting

     HEALTH STRATEGY

• iodized salt (now standard to North America)
• iodized oil caplets

Vitamin A

     EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY

• decreased ability to fight disease
• eye damage or blindness
• death

     HEALTH STRATEGY

• food fortification
• eating foods such as mangoes, carrots and leafy green vegetables

Iron

 EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY

• reduced energy and mental capacity
• increased risk of illness
• death during pregnancy

     HEALTH STRATEGY

• iron tablets
• food fortification
• eating iron-rich foods (ie. meat and legumes)