Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Young Children: Consensus Statement from Infant and Young Child Feeding Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics

ABSTRACT

Justification Micronutrient deficiencies have significant impact on the overall health and well-being of society and potential targets forsupplementations. It is important to formulate a consensus statement in view of current evidence, and put in place strategies to meettargets. Objectives: To formulate by endorsement or adoption and disseminate a consensus statement for prevention of micronutrientsdeficiencies in young children for office practices from an Indian perspective. Process A National Consultative Meeting was convenedby Infant and Young Child Feeding Chapter (IYCF) of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) on 17 December, 2016 at Mumbai. IYCF chapter,IAP, United Nations Children Fund, National Institute of Nutrition and Government of India were the participating agencies; and participantsrepresenting different parts of India were included. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread. For its prevention propermaternal and infant-young child feeding strategies need to be practiced. Encourage delayed cord clamping, dietary diversification,germinated foods, soaking and fermentation processes. Existing Iron, Vitamin A, Zinc supplementation and universal salt iodizationprograms need to be scaled up, especially in high risk groups. Universal vitamin D supplementation need to be in place; though, the doseneeds more research. Vitamin B12 deficiency screening and supplementation should be practiced only in high-risk groups. Availability ofappropriately fortified foods needs to be addressed urgently.