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

微量营养素缺乏症是由于矿物质和维生素摄入和/或吸收不足而导致的一种营养不良，对人类发育和健康有不利影响。儿童、青少年、育龄妇女（包括孕妇）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群都有MN缺乏的风险。虽然解决这一公共卫生问题是一个优先事项，但在欧盟人口中锰缺乏症的患病率和这些缺乏症的原因的数据可用之前，不可能预测和确定风险最大的人群。如果没有这方面的信息，关于如何满足引起公共卫生关注的优先高危人群的饮食要求并改善其状况的讨论就只能是在真空中进行。Zero_HiddenHunger_EU项目旨在1)根据欧洲人群中优先生物标志物和MN摄入量数据及其相关健康成本，重点关注高风险人群亚组，提供MN缺乏症真实患病率的估计；2)提供最佳证据，以制定针对具体情况的、量身定制的以食物为重点的解决方案，确保从可持续来源的饮食中获得充足的维生素和矿物质供应。该联盟将把研究工作集中在现有的高质量数据资源和生物库上，这些数据资源和生物库来自欧洲各地不同和具有代表性的人群，并辅以在代表性不足的人群中进行的有针对性的研究，从而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将提供可靠的证据，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，以消除欧洲的锰缺乏症。

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.