THE United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has stated that children, pregnant women and lactating mothers are more vulnerable to hidden hunger.
The world governing body on children matters made this known through its weekly SMS opinion poll platform (U-report).
In its bid to sensitise Nigerians on the growing rate of micronutrients, UNICEF asked respondents how much they know about micronutrients popularly known as hidden hunger.
About 53 per cent of the respondents opined that children, pregnant and lactating women are more vulnerable to hidden hunger.
Fifty-seven per cent recommended that Iron folate should be taken all through pregnancy to prevent anaemia.
Research revealed that micronutrients deficiencies are associated with 10 per cent of children’s death, and are therefore of special concern to those involved in child welfare.
Micro nutrients deficiencies are caused by long term shortage of nutritious foods or by infections such as intestinal worms. They may also be as a result of illnesses such as diarrhea or malaria, which cause rapid loss of nutrients through faeces or vomit.
Micronutrients include Iodine, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Selenium, Florine and Vitamins A, B6, B12, B1, B2, B3, and C
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