The Micronutrients Database was first developed as part of the Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS), formerly known as the Micronutrient Deficiency Information System, in 1991. After a thorough evaluation of the database from the epidemiologic and public health informatics perspectives, the database has been upgraded and expanded to include 40 indicators of the status of 17 micronutrients or micronutrient-related conditions, covering both deficiency and excess.
The Micronutrients Database is an interactive platform for summarizing data published in reports and manuscripts on the micronutrient status of populations representative at the national, regional (within country) and first administrative level (e.g. canton, state, province).
Micronutrients Database Objectives
Systematically retrieve and summarize data on vitamin and mineral status of populations.
Provide Member States and their partners with up-to-date national, regional, and global assessments of the magnitude of micronutrient deficiencies.
Track progress made towards the goal of elimination of the major micronutrient deficiencies adopted by the international community.
Monitor and evaluate, through systematic data collection over time, the impact of WHO strategies to prevent and control micronutrient malnutrition.
Accurate and timely data are an essential resource for Member States to achieve targets for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and goals for universal health care, health emergencies and healthier populations. WHO is the steward and custodian for monitoring the health-related SDGs. Data are needed to measure performance, improve programme decisions and increase accountability. WHO’s Constitution requests Member States to submit annual reports on health status and actions taken to improve health. WHO plays a critical role in supporting Member States in the effective collection, analysis, reporting and use of data.
Inclusion criteria
The criteria below are used to determine if data is eligible for incorporation into the Micronutrients database:
- Sampling frame of defined population
- Sample representative at national, regional and 1st admin level
- Population-based, household-based or facility based sample (complying with representativeness)
- Cross-sectional sample or baseline assessment of interventions
- Standard, validated data collection techniques and laboratory methodology
Data sources
The Micronutrients databse is updated and maintained by the staff of the Nutrition and Food Safety Department. There are two main data sources for the Micronutrients Database: 1) reports generated by countries or implementing partners and 2) published manuscripts. Occasionally, Member States, regional offices, the international community or colleagues managing other databases within WHO will send reports to the VMNIS responsible staff. If data meet the eligibility criteria, they are entered into the Micronutrients Database. Reports and publications are requested and collected from:
- Ministries of Health through WHO regional and country offices,
- National research and academic institutions,
- Nongovernmental organizations, and
- Organizations of the United Nations system.
We encourage Member States and researchers to contribute their micronutrient status data to the Micronutrients Database. If you are aware of data not already in the database, representative at the national, regional (within country) or first administrative
level (e.g. canton, state, province), we encourage you to send the published survey report or manuscript to nutrition@who.int.
Inclusion criteria:
- The sample was representative of at least the 1st administrative level (e.g. state, province, canton, oblast).
- The sample was population-based, household-based, or facility-based (i.e., for pregnant women, newborns, and preschool and school-age children)
- The sample was cross-sectional or was the baseline assessment in an intervention programme
- The study used standard, validated data collection techniques and laboratory methodology.
- The study reported any indicators that could be used to assess micronutrient status.
Acknowledgements
The World Health Organization (WHO) thanks the following for their financial and/or technical support in updating and expanding the Micronutrients Database: