Nutrition International (organization)

Nutrition International (formerly Micronutrient Initiative)
Founded1992
FounderInternational Development Research Centre
FocusHealthcare, education, nutrition
Location
Area served
Worldwide
Revenue
$42,586,795 (2016) [USD][1]
Employees
76 head office, 256 worldwide
Websitewww.nutritionintl.org

Nutrition International, formerly the Micronutrient Initiative (MI), is an international not for profit agency based in Canada that works to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies in developing countries.[2] Although often only required by the body in very small amounts, vitamin and minerals – also known as micronutrients – support an array of critical biological functions including growth, immune function and eye function, as well as foetal development of the brain, the nervous system, and the skeletal system. Micronutrient deficiency is a form of malnutrition and is a recognized health problem in many developing countries.[3] Globally, more than two billion people live with vitamin and mineral deficiencies.[4]

  1. ^ Financial Statements, March 31, 2016
  2. ^ Plus 5 Review of the 2002 Special Session on Children and World Fit for Children Plan of Action: Response by Canada, p. 16.
  3. ^ Bhan, Maharaj K; Sommerfelt, Halvor; Strand, Tor (2007). "Micronutrient deficiency in children". British Journal of Nutrition. 85: S199–203. doi:10.1079/BJN2001315. PMID 11509111.
  4. ^ Flour Fortification Initiative, GAIN, Micronutrient Initiative, USAID, The World Bank, UNICEF, Investing in the Future: A United Call to Action on Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies, 2009, p. 1