Micronutrient deficiencies can seriously affect our health. This can cause various medical problems and make us feel unwell. Let’s look at some important points:

1. How Common It Is:

   • About 2 billion people around the world may have micronutrient deficiencies. This is often called "hidden hunger."

2. Effects of Missing Nutrients:

   • Vitamin A: Around 250 million preschool kids don’t get enough vitamin A. This can lead to blindness and make it more likely for them to get sick or die.
   • Iron: About 1.62 billion people have anemia because they lack iron. This can make them feel tired and less able to work and play.
   • Iodine: Not getting enough iodine can cause goiter (a swelling in the neck) and affect thinking skills. About 2 billion people suffer from this globally.

3. Health Problems:

   • Immune System: Not enough vitamins, like C and D, can make us more likely to catch colds or other infections.
   • Brain Development: If kids don’t get enough micronutrients, especially while they are growing up, their brains may not develop properly. This can lead to learning problems later in life.
   • Long-term Illnesses: Low levels of certain micronutrients are linked to higher chances of getting long-term illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

4. Effects on the Economy:

   • Health problems from not getting enough micronutrients can cost countries between $2.5 and$5 billion each year due to lost work and productivity.

In short, fixing micronutrient deficiencies is very important. It helps not just people's health but also the health of our communities and economies.