An Evaluation of Micronutrient Losses in the Diets of Mothers and Children in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Deficiencies of micronutrients including iron, vitamin A, iodine, and zinc deficiencies are a widespread problem in resource-constrained countries, particularly among pregnant and nursing mothers and children under five. Studies addressing this problem often focus on one step of the food value chain, such as the production or metabolism aspect of the intake of micronutrients. This article holistically examines the food value chain through a case study in Makeni, Sierra Leone with the objective of describing the potential loss of micronutrients at various stages in the food value chain. This article aims to describe a potential method for root cause analysis for micronutrient deficiencies to researchers and practitioners alike. Through examinations of case studies and data collected from over 180 interviews conducted in Sierra Leone, we show that current policies and practices in sectors like healthcare, education, and indigenous methods of food preparation cause ripple effects that increase the negative health, societal, and economic consequences of widespread micronutrient deficiencies among mothers and young children.