Tackling micronutrient malnutrition and hidden hunger to improve health in the EU

营养素缺乏症（MN）是一种由于矿物质和维生素摄入量低和/或吸收不足而发生的营养不良，对人类发育和健康产生不利影响。儿童，青少年，育龄妇女（包括怀孕）和老年人（约占欧洲社会的70%）以及移民/少数民族群体和受社会不平等或贫困影响的人都有MN缺乏症的风险。虽然解决这一公共卫生问题是一个优先事项，但在欧盟人口中MN缺乏症的患病率和这些缺乏症的原因的数据可用于预测和确定风险最高的人群之前，这是不可能的。如果没有这些信息，关于如何满足公共卫生关注的优先MNs的饮食要求并改善其地位的讨论将在真空中进行。Zero_HiddenHunger_EU项目旨在：1）根据欧洲人群的优先生物标志物和MN摄入量数据及其相关健康成本，提供MN缺乏症的真实患病率估计值，重点关注高风险人群亚组; 2）提供最佳证据，以开发针对特定环境的定制食品解决方案，以确保从可持续来源的饮食中提供充足的维生素和矿物质。该联盟将重点研究欧洲各地不同和有代表性的人口群体的现有高质量数据资源和生物库，并辅之以代表性不足群体的有针对性的研究，最大限度地提高研究投资和增加价值。利用高通量生物标志物和先进的数据分析和建模技术，Zero_HiddenHunger_EU将提供可信的证据，使政策制定者和粮食系统参与者能够提供以粮食为重点的战略，以消除欧洲的MN缺乏。

Micronutrient (MN) deficiency is a form of malnutrition that occurs due to low intake and/or absorption of minerals and vitamins, with adverse consequences for human development and health. Children, adolescents, women of reproductive age (including pregnancy) and older adults (representing ~70% of European society) as well as immigrant/ethnic minority groups and those affected by social inequality or poverty, are at risk of MN deficiencies. While addressing this public health problem is a priority, it is not possible until data on the prevalence of MN deficiencies across the EU population and the causes for these deficiencies is available to predict and identify those most at risk. Without this information, discussions on how to meet dietary requirements for the priority MNs of public health concern, and improve their status, take place in a vacuum. The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project aims to 1) provide estimates of the true prevalence of MN deficiencies, based on priority biomarker and MN intake data in European populations and their associated health costs, focused on high-risk population subgroups, and 2) provide the best possible evidence to develop context-specific, tailored food focused solutions to ensure adequate supply of vitamins and minerals from diets from sustainable sources. The consortium will focus the research effort around existing high-quality data resources and biobanks from diverse and representative population groups around Europe, supplemented by targeted studies in under-represented groups, maximizing research investment and adding value. Using high throughput biomarker and advanced data analytical and modelling techniques, Zero_HiddenHunger_EU will deliver credible evidence enabling policymakers and food system actors to deliver food-focused strategies to eradicate MN deficiencies from Europe.