Including survey results in global databases

The WHO Micronutrients Database¹ summarizes data published in reports and manuscripts concerning the micronutrient status of representative populations at the national, regional (within country) and first administrative levels (for example, canton, state or province). These data are used to provide national, regional, and global assessments of the magnitude of micronutrient deficiencies and to track progress made towards the international goal of eliminating the major micronutrient deficiencies. They are also used to monitor and evaluate the impact of strategies to prevent and control micronutrient malnutrition.

Survey implementers are encouraged to send their final data reports to WHO at nutrition@who.int for inclusion in the database. In addition to the data, the submission must include details that describe the representativeness of the survey, calculation of sample weights, type of specimen(s) collected, whether these were collected under fasting conditions, type of laboratory assay and method used for micronutrient status analysis, as well as information about adjustments that were made to the results (for example for elevation above sea level, smoking or inflammation).