Strategies to Resolve Hidden Hunger: A Review ofMicronutrient Deficiencies

Abstract

Hidden hunger, defined as a deficiency in essential micronutrients, continues to pose
a major global health challenge, particularly in developing countries where it significantly impairs human growth, immune function, and productivity. This study aims to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies used in the last five years to address micronutrient
deficiencies. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, sixprimary research articles published between 2019 and 2024 were selected from Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria
focused on interventions involving food fortification, micronutrient supplementation, crop biofortification, nutrition education, and food system-based approaches. Thematic analysis of the
selected studies revealed that no single strategy can fully resolve the issue. However, the integration of multiple approaches—especially combining large-scale food fortification, communitybased nutrition education, and the cultivation of biofortified crops—has proven effective in significantly improving the micronutrient status of target populations. The study highlights the importance of cross-sectoral policy coordination and recommends ongoing monitoring to ensure
the sustainability and impact of implemented interventions. The findings contribute valuable
insights for researchers, policymakers, and health program implementers in designing more targeted and impactful solutions to combat hidden hunger