Micronutrient deficiencies in Switzerland: causes and consequences

In Western countries marginal deficiencies of micronutrients are still observed. Risk groups can be defined with data from groups (food balance sheets) and individuals. In Switzerland a comprehensive dietary survey is still lacking. Based on the results of food balance sheets the vitamin recommendations with the exception of folate, vitamin D and pantothenic acid seem to be met. But data from individuals reveal that in many subgroups of the Swiss population marginal deficiencies of the vitamins B-1, B-2, and B-6 are present. For the primary prevention of neural tube defects the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health recommends that women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 mug of folic acid daily from supplements. To improve the limited compliance with this recommendation a new strategy is now being evaluated (education program, fortification of a staple food, fortification of several foodstuffs with folic acid). Due to the fact that the concentration of iodine in the fortified salt was increased several times in the last decades and due to the import of wheat rich in selenium from Northern America, at present requirements of iodine and selenium are met. Calcium and iron requirements on the other hand are insufficiently met by women. Based on the scientific literature and Swiss surveys on consumer knowledge and attitudes about diet, other risk groups for vitamin and mineral deficiencies are expected. People with a low intake of calories and/or with high requirements of micronutrients as well as people with special food habits or inadequate food choice and/or handling are especially at risk. Governmental and non-governmental efforts are made to monitor and improve the micronutrient status of the Swiss population. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.