Why is vitamin/mineral consumption critical in women of reproductive age. What is the proportion and trend of the consumption globally, in Africa and in nigeria.
I have done some work on female infertility and micronutrient status finding the ratio of selenium to cadmium (an anti-nutrient) the leading correlate. Rina Agrawal of The Royal Free Hospital has shown how a supplement can boost IVF success rate (attached)
I am attaching my paper which showed the stongest correlation between fertility and the selenium:cadmium ratio. Please note reference 117 (TD Nolan) who found a similar connection between selenium:cadmium and fertility in laying hens. I have a hunch that omega3 is also relvant but plans to take this line of researcg further were dashed by failure to secure a research grant.
I know that in the case of iron, women need to build up their iron stores so as to reuse it for the growth of their fetus once they conceive. Furthermore, they also have to compensate for additional losses due to menstruation. The need for iron can be very high in the case of adolescents as they need to sustain growth and at the same time compensate loss through menstruation. This situation can even more be exacerbated if they conceive during adolescence.
I have attached you some review articles that may be of interest to you.
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