Contemporary Prevalence and Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Refugee Settings Worldwide

Scant research has been conducted that systematically evaluatesinterventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in refugeepopulations, despite documentation of considerable prevalenceand continued outbreaks of micronutrient deficiency among thesepopulations. Refugees are especially at-risk for micronutrientdeficiency given their circumstances of origin, current residentialenvironment, and typical dependence upon food aid. Interventionspromoting reduction of micronutrient deficiency in refugee settings,including food fortification and dietary diversification, arerarely systematically evaluated for impact in reducing micronutrientdeficiency in refugee populations. As a result, little is knownabout the most effective prevention strategies for reductionof micronutrient deficiency in refugees. In fact, evidence suggestsperhaps that nutritional interventions with demonstrated effectivenessin other populations and locales may not be readily adaptableto refugee situations. Sustainable prevention interventionsaimed at reducing micronutrient deficiency in refugee populationsneed to be implemented and tested systematically to create anevidence base for good practice.