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

Descripción del proyecto

Medidas para erradicar el hambre oculta de Europa

La carencia de micronutrientes aflige a la sociedad europea y pone en riesgo el desarrollo y la salud de las personas debido a una ingesta inadecuada de minerales y vitaminas. Los grupos demográficos vulnerables, como los niños, las mujeres embarazadas, los ancianos y los grupos marginados, corren especial riesgo, ya que representan cerca del 70 % de la población. La falta de datos exhaustivos sobre la prevalencia de esa carencia obstaculiza la aplicación de intervenciones eficaces y soslaya los debates sobre la satisfacción de las necesidades alimentarias. En este contexto, el proyecto Zero_HiddenHunger_EU, financiado con fondos europeos, tiene por objeto evaluar la prevalencia de la carencia de micronutrientes, analizar los costes sanitarios asociados y diseñar soluciones sostenibles a medida para erradicar el hambre oculta en Europa. Su equipo se propone identificar las poblaciones de alto riesgo y desarrollar estrategias eficaces, para lo cual empleará técnicas avanzadas y datos existentes como, por ejemplo, los que albergan los biobancos.

Objetivo

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.

Palabras clave

Coordinador

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 2 487 952,50
Dirección
WESTERN ROAD
T12 YN60 Cork
Irlanda

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Región
Ireland Southern South-East
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
€ 2 487 952,50

Participantes (14)

Socios (4)