Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Caribbean

Micronutrient deficiencies are of global importance to disease morbidity and mortality. Of particular importance are vitamin A, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world, and iron deficiency, the most prevalent micronutritional deficiency globally. In the Caribbean, iron deficiency, is known to exist. Overt vitamin A deficiency is rare, however subclinical deficiencies are suspected to exist. This study investigating the extent and magnitude of these deficiencies in vulnerable populations of four Caribbean countries found that overt vitamin A deficiency is very rare, however marginal/subclinical deficiencies exist in Jamaica, and Antigua. Iron deficiency of public health significance is prevalent in all vulnerable groups of the countries studied.