As governments grapple with the challenge of improving learning outcomes, the answer may well lie outside the classroom. Micronutrient (minerals and vitamins) deficiency is a major public health issue.

It affects more than 3 billion people worldwide, and has serious consequences for fetal and indeed human capital development. Although rising incomes and standard food fortification with iodized salt and iron have benefited many people in Asia, the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women ranges from about 30% in the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines, to around 50% in India and Pakistan.

Numerous studies have analyzed the effects of deficiencies in essential micronutrients—such as zinc, vitamin B, iron, and iodine—on birth weight as well as cognitive and physical development. The research shows that zinc deficiency in particular is associated with impaired learning, reduced attention, and poor memory ... — blog.adb.org/blogs