SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION IN PREVENTING AND MANAGING DEFICIENCY-RELATED DISORDERS IN HUMANS

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies represent a pervasive global health burden, contributing significantly to morbidity across diverse populations. While supplementation is a cornerstone of management, the evidence for its effectiveness in preventing and treating deficiency-related disorders is fragmented and sometimes contradictory, necessitating a consolidated evidence synthesis.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the contemporary evidence on the effectiveness of micronutrient supplementation in improving biochemical status and preventing or managing clinical deficiency-related disorders in human populations.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies published between 2014 and 2024. Studies investigating the effect of single or multiple micronutrient supplements on clinical deficiency outcomes were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results: Eight studies (6 RCTs, 2 cohorts) were included. The findings demonstrate that supplementation with iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 confers significant clinical and biochemical benefits in populations with confirmed pre-existing deficiencies (e.g., improved hemoglobin, normalized serum levels, reduced symptom scores). However, in populations without baseline deficiencies, supplementation did not significantly impact broader health outcomes like infection risk.

Conclusion: Micronutrient supplementation is unequivocally effective for treating confirmed deficiencies but cannot be recommended as a universal preventive measure for non-deficient populations. These findings support a precision-based, targeted approach to supplementation. Further research is needed to define optimal dosing and long-term outcomes.