Inflammation caused by infections and chronic conditions can modify the biomarker values used to assess micronutrient deficiencies. These recently published findings from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anaemia (BRINDA) project indicate the importance of applying adjustments for inflammation to iron and vitamin A biomarkers to correctly interpret the prevalence of these deficiencies and their association with anemia. This article discusses policy and program implications of this research, including the need for integration of infection and inflammation control efforts with iron interventions.
Stoltzfus, R., et. al., Am J Clin Nutr. (July 2017).