Assessment of micronutrient deficiencies among 10-15 years old school going adolescents in rural and urban areas of belagavi-A cross-sectional study

The severe social, health, and economic consequences of the micronutrient deficiencies underscore the urgency of addressing this issue among adolescents. This population is not only a significant demographic group but also pivotal to India’s future development. By assessing the prevalence and implications of deficiencies in iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and folate among school-going adolescents, we aim to generate evidence to inform strategies for improving adolescent health and well-being. Anemia being a significant health problem affecting the physical, mental and social wellbeing among adolescents which has an impact on the overall health as well as academic performance and not being addressed efficiently with Iron supplements alone. We need to further look for micronutrient supplementation among adolescents which may have long term implication on health and wellbeing. This study will highlight the burden of hidden hunger among adolescents and help to plan specific nutritional interventions.