Potential Fallout of the COVID 19 Pandemic on the Status of the Selected Micronutrients in Bangladesh Population: A Contextual Appraisal

The pandemic of the SARS-COV-2 (COVID 19) has been inflicting significant toll on employment, income and dietary intake in the population of Bangladesh. As a result the nutritional status of the population is under stress. The present study attempted to project the risk of decline of the status of some key micronutrients. A contextual review was conducted. A reference level of the pre-pandemic micronutrient status was identified. A thorough appraisal was done considering the prevalent serum micronutrient status, micronutrient intakes, food sources, geological issues affecting the micronutrient status and the programmatic issues. A qualitative risk-category was assigned for the sliding back of the micronutrient status to the reference level. A mixed outlook of the key micronutrient status was observed due to the pandemic-related consequences on food security and intake. Appropriate mix of coordinated interventions need to be planned, customized and operationalized.