Nutrient deficiencies and related undernutrition (including stunting, wasting, and anemia) are widespread in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with as many as 9 in 10 females being deficient in ≥1 micronutrient and 1 in 2 females experiencing anemia in several countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Nearly 1 in 3 children aged <5 y in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have stunted growth, with lifelong consequences that include increased risk of infections, impaired cognitive development, reduced educational attainment, lower economic productivity, and increased risk of noncommunicable diseases [3].
The problem of undernutrition is not unique to females and children. Most males and females of all ages in LMICs do not consume enough iron, calcium, and other essential micronutrients, which compromises their health and limits their potential. At the same time, noncommunicable diseases are on the rise, creating a widespread double burden of malnutrition. Indeed, >80% of deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases occur in LMICs.
Addressing this complex nutritional landscape in LMICs and beyond requires evidence-based, fit-for-purpose tools and strategies, such as suitable nutrient profiling systems (NPS) for global application, that can be tailored to guide programmatic and policy decisions across diverse geographic settings—accounting for local nutritional and health priorities.