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Suboptimal intake of micronutrients is a significant public health issue for women of all ages, and has particular ramifications in women of childbearing years. Women's micronutrient status affects not only their own health, but also the health of the next generation. Low intakes affect a wide range of health issues, including pregnancy outcomes, learning disabilities, bone development, immune function, and even neurological function in the elderly. A symposium, Women and Micronutrients: Addressing the Gap Throughout the Lifecycle, was convened by the Institute ofHumanNutrition of Columbia University on June 6, 2004. The proceedings are summarized in this supplement.
The goals of the Women and Micronutrients symposium that led to this supplement were to provide awareness on the adverse impacts of the current gaps in micronutrient consumption by women of all ages, and to translate basic science findings related to micronutrient status in women into strategies for improved women's health. The discussants provided a comprehensive overview of how poor micronutrient status translates to poor outcome at every stage of the life cycle, and reviewed and made recommendations in the following areas:
It is widely acknowledged that highly nutrient dense food is a preferred vehicle for repletion of a micronutrient deficiency. However, it is also clear that there are substantial and often insurmountable problems with the logistics of providing such food nationally and worldwide. Additionally, the challenges regarding acceptance/compliance and access to such diets are also considerable. Until the logistical challenges of distribution, acceptance, and access are met, micronutrient supplementation should be considered as a viable means of filling the micronutrient gap in women throughout the life cycle.