ABSTRACT
Malnutrition is broadly categorized as macro malnutrition caused primarily due to deficiency of proteins and calories and micronutrient malnutrition caused due to deficiency of micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid, iodine, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, etc. Data from developing country such as India show that percentage of children and adults with intake of major micronutrients below 50% recommended dietary allowances (RDA) is rather high (Table 30.1) [1]. Intake of iron is less than 50% of the RDA in all age groups, with the proportions varying from 70% to 80%. Similarly, vitamin A intake is less than 50% of the RDA in all age groups, with the proportions varying from
80% to 90%. There is increasing evidence to show that lack of micronutrients cause devastating damage to health and well being of the population [2].
