Introduction to Micronutrient Requirements Global Micronutrient Deficiencies in Childhood and Impact on Growth and Survival: Challenges and Opportunities: Imdad, A.; Bhutta, Z.A.; Micronutrients in the Treatment of Stunting and Moderate Malnutrition: Penny, M.E.; Discussion on Micronutrient Requirements: Solomons, N.W.; Zinc in Maternal and Child Health; Zinc Requirements: Assessment and Population Needs: Hambidge, K.M. et al.; Role of Zinc in Child Health and Survival: Black, R.E.; Fischer Walker, C.; Discussion on Zinc in Maternal and Child Health: Wasantwisut, E.; Multiple Micronutrient Deficiencies in Pregnancy; Global Burden and Significance of Multiple Micronutrient Deficiencies in Pregnancy: Darnton-Hill, I.; Intervention Strategies to Address Multiple Micronutrient Deficiencies in Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Imdad, A.; Bhutta, Z.A.; Summary on Micronutrient Requirements and Deficiencies in Maternal and Child Nutrition: Bhutta, Z.; Vitamin A in Childhood: Evidence and Controversy; Vitamin A Supplementation, Infectious Disease and Child Mortality: A Summary of the Evidence: Thorne-Lyman, A.; Fawzi, W.W.; Issues and Controversies with Vitamin A in Childhood: Murguia Peniche, M.T.; Discussion on Vitamin A Supplementation in Childhood: Bhatia, J.; Iron; Influence of Inflammatory Disorders and Infection on Iron Absorption and Efficacy of Iron-Fortified Foods: Hurrell, R.F.; Safety of Iron Fortification and Supplementation in Malaria-Endemic Areas: Brittenham, G.M.; Discussion on Iron: Lynch, S.; Summary on Vitamin A and Iron: Hurrell, R.F.; Iodine; Are Weaning Infants at Risk of Iodine Deficiency Even in Countries with Established Iodized Salt Programs? Zimmermann, M.B.; Current Challenges in Meeting Global Iodine Requirements: Eastman, C.J.; Jooste, P.; Folate, Vitamin B12 and Brain; Folate and Vitamin B12: Function and Importance in Cognitive Development: Troen, A.M.; Discussion on Folate and Vitamin B12 Importance in Cognitive Development: Rosenberg, I.H.; Pros and Cons of Increasing Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Intake by Fortification: Allen, L.H.; Discussion on Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Fortification: Rosenberg, I.H.; Summary on Iodine Folate and Vitamin B12: Rosenberg, I.H.

Meeting macro- and micronutrient requirements during pregnancy and early childhood is crucial for short- and long-term health and cognitive function. Meta-analyses confirm that supplementation or fortification of food with the 'big four' (vitamin A, iron, zinc, and iodine) is efficacious to reduce the risk of infectious disease and improves growth and cognitive outcome. More recently, folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies during pregnancy have been shown to be associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcome and childhood obesity. The papers collected in the book at hand address the fact that maternal and fetal deficiencies can induce inadequate metabolic programming in the offspring, with increased risk for non-communicable diseases later in life. World-renowned experts in the fields of epidemiology and nutritional intervention met with those in genetics, epigenetics, and metabolic outcome to clarify the pathogenesis of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy and childhood, preventive methods and strategies, and opportunities for treatment.