The document was approved by delegates at the 76th World Health Assembly, which runs through May 30 in Geneva, Switzerland, and urges member states to make decisions about micronutrient fortification and supplementation and to consider ways to strengthen financing and monitoring mechanisms.

According to experts, deficiencies in vitamin and mineral status, particularly folate, iron, vitamin A and zinc, affect 50 percent of all preschool-age children and 67 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide.

Micronutrient deficiencies can have serious consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

These preventable deficiencies are also associated with increased risk of blindness, weakened immune systems, decreased exercise and physical capacity.

Mothers with low micronutrient status may have premature or low birth weight babies.

Iodine deficiency, which is still prevalent in many countries, affects brain development in children, undermining their ability to learn and their eventual productivity.

Specialists say that large-scale food fortification is part of the solution, an evidence-based intervention that contributes to the prevention, reduction, and control of micronutrient deficiencies.

By adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods and seasonings, such as wheat and maize flours, rice, cooking oil, and salt in accordance with national consumption patterns and deficiencies, countries can correct and prevent even a high demonstrated insufficiency of micronutrients.

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