Pillar 1: Dietary intakes and nutritional status of micronutrients in Europe
The first pillar aims to provide accurate estimates of micronutrient status and intake across Europe, with a focus on specific vulnerable groups, such as children, adolescents, adults and elderly, ethnic subgroups, pregnant and lactating women, migrants and low income groups. Zero Hidden Hunger EU will collect high-quality bio-samples and dietary data from a variety of existing biobanks and data sources throughout Europe, including nationally representative surveys, epidemiological studies, and targeted life-stage cohorts. This pillar will provide accurate estimates of micronutrient status and intake across Europe among one million individuals in 26 countries from all European regions.
Pillar 2: True prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Europe & associated costs
Using the data provided by Pillar 1 as input, data modelling will be used to estimate prevalence rates of micronutrient deficiencies in different regions and in at-risk population groups. The project will generate maps showing the true prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Europe for the first time.
Machine learning techniques will be used to characterise the predictors of micronutrient deficiencies, allowing for better identification of people at most risk and to develop forecasting models for in regions without measured biomarker data.
Within this pillar, researchers will also estimate the true costs of micronutrient deficiencies in Europe, in terms of health care and productivity losses as well as costs of implementing selected strategies to address the problem. A novel outcome will be estimates of the extended costs of the ‘do nothing approach’ as a policy default, factoring in societal challenges such as the aging population.
Pillar 3: Eradication of micronutrients deficiency
Thanks to the knowledge and understanding gained in Pillars 1 and 2, this pillar will develop optimised diets and propose solutions to boost micronutrient supply while also addressing the underlying drivers and causes of micronutrient deficiencies. The focus will be on nutritious, sustainable, inexpensive, and accessible dietary options for people identified as at risk of micronutrients deficiency, taking into account their ability to access and apply them.
As part of this pillar, Zero Hidden Hunger EU will investigate the bioavailability and metabolism of selected micronutrients, particularly emphasizing the role of the gut microbiome. This includes assessing methods for large-scale iron and vitamin D assessment and exploring novel approaches to define functional micronutrient deficiencies and metabolomic markers for calcium intake/status.
Pillar 4: Impact and communication
Pillar 4 aims to disseminate accurate information about the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and associated health costs and empower policymakers and food system actors to implement effective food-focused strategies, to eradicate micronutrient deficiencies from Europe.
Via the Zero Hidden Hunger EU Policy Lab, the project seeks to co-create practical solutions for program implementation at different levels while considering enablers and barriers to these initiatives.
Additionally, Zero Hidden Hunger EU will develop and provide education and training to various groups, including healthcare professionals, consumer groups, industry stakeholders, and policymakers.
