Micronutrient deficiencies were commonplace in the past, with the term ‘malnourished’ calling to mind images of underweight children in developing countries. But despite societies around the world getting more affluent, problems related to lack of essential nutrients in our diet are creeping back, says Assistant Professor Mary Chong.
With food now more abundant and affordable, people are more likely to meet their needs for these micronutrients. However, the vast amount of food choices have also led to overconsumption of calories — in particular, highly processed foods that are high in added sugars and fats, and low in micronutrients, or ‘junk food’.
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