The Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System: some useful statistics

The Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS), formerly known as the Micronutrient Deficiency Information System (MDIS), was established in 1991. Part of WHO's mandate is to assess the micronutrient status of populations, monitor and evaluate the impact of strategies for the prevention and control of micronutrient malnutrition, and to track related trends over time. Currently the VMNIS' Micronutrients Database contains information on anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency in populations around the world.
- An estimated 250 million preschool children are vitamin A deficient and it is likely that in vitamin A deficient areas a substantial proportion of pregnant women is vitamin A deficient. An estimated 250 000 to 500 000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight.
- The global prevalence of anaemia for the general population is 24.8% and it is estimated that 1620 million people are affected by anaemia. In preschool-age children, the anaemia prevalence is 47.4%, affecting 293 million children globally. For pregnant women the prevalence is slightly lower (41.8%).In non-pregnant women this prevalence is lower than pregnant women and overall, 468.4 million non-pregnant women are anaemic (30.2% prevalence globally). Additionally, the global prevalence of anaemia in school-age children is 25.4%, in men 12.7% and in elderly 23.9%.
- Proportion of population and number of individuals with insufficient iodine intake in general population based on urinary iodine (UI) below 100 µg/L in 2003 is 35.2%