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Tackling micronutrient malnutrition and hidden hunger to improve health in the EU

Project description

Steps to eradicate hidden hunger from Europe

Micronutrient (MN) deficiency afflicts European society, putting human development and health at risk due to inadequate mineral and vitamin intake. Vulnerable demographics, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and marginalised groups, are particularly at risk, comprising about 70 % of the population. Lack of comprehensive data on deficiency prevalence hampers effective interventions, leaving discussions on meeting dietary needs in limbo. In this context, the EU-funded Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project aims to assess deficiency prevalence, analyse associated health costs, and devise tailored, sustainable solutions to eradicate hidden hunger across Europe. By leveraging advanced techniques and existing data, including biobanks, the project seeks to identify high-risk populations and develop effective strategies.

Objective

Micronutrient (MN) deficiency is a form of malnutrition that occurs due to low intake and/or absorption of minerals and vitamins, with adverse consequences for human development and health. Children, adolescents, women of reproductive age (including pregnancy) and older adults (representing ~70% of European society) as well as immigrant/ethnic minority groups and those affected by social inequality or poverty, are at risk of MN deficiencies. While addressing this public health problem is a priority, it is not possible until data on the prevalence of MN deficiencies across the EU population and the causes for these deficiencies is available to predict and identify those most at risk. Without this information, discussions on how to meet dietary requirements for the priority MNs of public health concern, and improve their status, take place in a vacuum. The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project aims to 1) provide estimates of the true prevalence of MN deficiencies, based on priority biomarker and MN intake data in European populations and their associated health costs, focused on high-risk population subgroups, and 2) provide the best possible evidence to develop context-specific, tailored food-focused solutions to ensure adequate supply of vitamins and minerals from diets from sustainable sources. The consortium will focus the research effort around existing high-quality data resources and biobanks from diverse and representative population groups around Europe, supplemented by targeted studies in under-represented groups, maximizing research investment and adding value. Using high-throughput biomarker and advanced data analytical and modelling techniques, Zero_HiddenHunger_EU will deliver credible evidence enabling policymakers and food system actors to deliver food-focused strategies to eradicate MN deficiencies from Europe.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 487 952,50
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 487 952,50

Participants (16)

Partners (4)

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