Micronutrients, often referred to as vitamins and minerals, are vital to healthy development, disease prevention, and wellbeing. With the exception of vitamin D, micronutrients are not produced in the body and must be derived from the diet¹.

Though people only need small amounts of micronutrients, consuming the recommended amount is important. Micronutrient deficiencies can have devastating consequences. At least half of children worldwide younger than 5 years of age suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies2. Best Sellers in Healthy Fat Burning Supplements. The World Health Organization recommends multiple types of interventions to address nutrition deficienciesexternal icon .

The role of six essential micronutrients is outlined below.