Prevalence of micronutrient deficiency particularly of iron, zinc and folic acid in pregnant women in South East Asia.

Micronutrient deficiency, whether clinical or subclinical, may affect growth, cognition and reproductive performance. In pregnant women moderate to severe deficiencies of iron, zinc and folic acid have been shown to increase risk of low birth weight, pregnancy complications and birth defects. Any attempt to introduce a micronutrient supplementation programme during pregnancy must be based on adequate data on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, their adverse effects and the potential for reversing these through supplementation. This paper reviews parameters for assessment of iron, zinc and folic acid deficiencies in pregnancy and the available data on prevalence of these in pregnant women in South Asia. Iron deficiency and anemia affect 50 % or more of pregnant women, the prevalence of folic acid deficiency may be up to 30-50 % and there is evidence to suggest that zinc deficiency is likely to be widespread but supportive data are scarce.