UCC Nutrition Researchers to tackle deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in Europe

13 Mar 2024

UCC is leading a new, multi-partner European consortium to address the hidden problem of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Europe.

Joint coordinators of the Zero_HiddenHunger_EU Project, Prof Kevin Cashman and Prof Mairead Kiely from the Cork Centre of Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC, are leading a 19-partner consortium which received more than €10 million in research funding from Horizon Europe and Associated Partners for ground-breaking research into tackling micronutrient deficiency in Europe over the next four years. The consortium will receive project management support from Dr Jennifer Browne and Ms. Anna Power, UCC Academy.

MN deficiency arises from inadequate intake or absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, which affects healthy growth and development in children and impacts on healthy aging among older adults. Affecting most population groups, including children, adolescents, pregnant women, older adults, migrant communities, and those affected by social inequalities, the scale of the problem, its effects on health and the costs it incurs to the health sector and to economic development, are unknown. Because it is likely to be highly prevalent, addressing the issue of micronutrient malnutrition requires comprehensive data on MN deficiency prevalence, its underlying causes and possible solutions.

Micronutrient (MN) deficiency, a widespread form of malnutrition of vitamins and minerals, poses significant challenges to human health and development. Recognising the urgency of this public health issue, the Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project is set to revolutionize our understanding and response to MN deficiencies.

The project aims to fill this critical gap by pursuing two primary objectives:

1. Estimating Prevalence and Health Costs: The project will generate accurate measures of MN deficiency prevalence using priority biomarker and intake data from diverse European populations. By focusing on high-risk groups, such as marginalised communities and vulnerable populations, the project aims to uncover the true extent of the issue and its associated health costs, using health economics analysis led by Dr Brendan McElroy and Dr Lee-Ann Burke at UCC’s Cork University Business School.

2. Developing Tailored Solutions: Armed with robust evidence, the project seeks to develop context-specific, food-focused strategies to ensure adequate MN intake from sustainable sources. The consortium aims to deliver tailored solutions that address the root causes of MN deficiencies across Europe.

Professors Cashman and Kiely, joint Coordinators, expressed optimism about the project's potential impact:

 "Zero_HiddenHunger_EU represents a landmark effort to confront the silent crisis of MN deficiency in Europe. By leveraging innovative research methodologies and collaborative partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful change and ensure equitable access to essential nutrients across European populations."

The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project underscores the importance of collective action in addressing complex public health challenges across Europe. By prioritising data-driven interventions and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the project aims to pave the way for a healthier, more resilient Europe.

Mark Sweeney, Horizon Europe National Contact Point, Enterprise Ireland commented:

“Micronutrient deficiency is a major global health issue and can have very serious and debilitating consequences, particularly amongst vulnerable groups. The Zero_Hidden_Hunger project is an excellent example of Irish researchers competing at the very highest level of European research and winning. The innovative approach of this €10m UCC led project has the potential to help understand, prevent, and control micronutrient deficiency and have significant positive impacts in terms of human health. I would like to congratulate Professor Kiely and Professor Kevin Cashman and wish them well for the duration of the project.”

About Zero_HiddenHunger_EU:

Zero_HiddenHunger_EU is a collaborative research initiative aimed at addressing the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across European populations. Led by a consortium of experts from diverse disciplines, the project seeks to generate actionable evidence to inform targeted interventions and eradicate hidden hunger in Europe. For more information, visit eufic.org/zero-hidden-hunger.

Zero_HiddenHunger_EU is co-funded by the European Union, under the Horizon Europe programme, under grant agreement No 101124527. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

This work has received funding from the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

This project will also receive funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee.