Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to significant long-term health consequences, since vitamins and minerals play an important role in growth, immune function, metabolic processes, and the prevention of chronic diseases. These deficiencies disproportionately affect people with socioeconomic disadvantage , with the risk being higher for ethnic minorities, immigrants, and refugees. For example, over 50% of adult minority populations in Europe are affected by deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, calcium, and iron. Other studies found out that immigrants in Europe are more likely to havevitamin D and iron deficiencies compared to the native population.
These disparities are likely driven by a complex interplay between economic, contextual, personal, interpersonal factors that shape access to and consumption of micronutrient-rich diets. However, there is still limited understanding of how these factors increase vulnerability to micronutrient deficiencies in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in Europe.
Most of the existing research has been carried out outside Europe, has used samples with mixed socioeconomic backgrounds, or has not specifically focussed on micronutrient adequacy. Moreover, very few studies have examined the perspectives of marginalised groups such as refugees or asylum seekers.
Addressing these gaps is crucial considering the far-reaching effects of micronutrient deficiencies on physical and mental health, as well as overall quality of life and productivity.
Zero Hidden Hunger EU: a plan to fill the gap
The European funded “Zero Hidden Hunger EU” project has launched a series of studies aimed at identifying the barriers to accessing and consuming micronutrient-rich diets among two hard-to-reach groups: beneficiaries of charitable food assistance (such as food banks and social supermarkets) and refugees, including asylum seekers. The research focuses on the European context, including participants from Italy, Poland, and Hungary.
Taking a bottom-up approach, the project conducted focus group discussions in 2025 with a total of 68 participants from Italy (26) and Poland (42). These discussions explored the challenges participants face in relation to the availability, affordability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of micronutrient-rich foods, both within and beyond food assistance settings. They also examined participants’ knowledge and perceptions about micronutrients, fortified foods, sun exposure, and food supplements, as well as their information needs on this topic.
Insights from the focus group informed the development of a survey to be conducted in 2026 with a total of 1500 food assistance beneficiaries and refugees across Italy, Poland, and Hungary. The survey aims to validate the qualitative findings in larger, more representative samples and to explore specific issues in greater depth. These include, for example, how participants prefer to receive information about vitamins and minerals, and how such information can be presented in ways that are more relevant and accessible to them.
The findings of this research will be relevant to a broader population experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage and will support the development of effective, equitable public health interventions to raise awareness and address micronutrient deficiencies. Results, expected in 2027, will provide valuable insights for policy makers, non-governmental organisations, charitable food providers, public health professionals, researchers, and local actors working at the forefront of food insecurity and dietary inequalities in Europe.
Author: dr. Katerina Palascha
Katerina is a senior research manager at EUFIC. She has a BSc in Science of Dietetics & Nutrition from Harokopio University (GR), as well as a MSc in Nutrition & Health and a PhD in Marketing & Consumer Behaviour from Wageningen University (NL). At EUFIC she works in diverse projects on healthy and sustainable diets, food science literacy, and the prevention of chronic diseases. In her research, Katerina often studies vulnerable or hard-to-reach groups such as people with socioeconomic disadvantage or young adults. In addition, she has a particular interest in non-diet approaches to eating as a mean of achieving physical and mental wellbeing.
