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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 14948

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marijana Matek Sarić

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, HR-23000 Zadar, Croatia
Interests: environmental health; toxic metals; food choices; micronutrients; dietary fiber; nutritional deficiencies; diet and chronic disease prevention

Dr. Tamara Sorić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

Nutrition Department, Psychiatric Hospital Ugljan, Ugljan, Croatia
Interests: human nutrition; micronutrients and health; nutritional deficiencies and public health; diet and chronic disease prevention; nutritional epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Micronutrients are essential for human health, influencing metabolism, growth, development, and disease prevention. Both deficiencies and excessive intake of vitamins and minerals remain a global challenge with significant implications for individual well-being and public health. From molecular mechanisms of nutrient metabolism to effective dietary strategies, understanding the role of micronutrients is critical for advancing both clinical practice and public health policies.

This Special Issue, “Micronutrients and Human Health: From Metabolism to Public Health Strategies,” aims to gather cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that highlight the importance of micronutrients across the spectrum of health and disease. We welcome contributions in the following areas:

Metabolic functions and mechanisms of essential vitamins and minerals;
Health outcomes associated with micronutrient deficiencies and excessive intake;
Micronutrient interactions and chronic disease risk;
Nutritional assessment methods and biomarkers of micronutrient status;
Public health strategies, policies, and interventions addressing micronutrient malnutrition;
Innovative dietary approaches, supplementation, and fortification programs.

By consolidating current evidence and perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to deepen our understanding of how micronutrients contribute to human health and inform strategies for prevention and treatment at both individual and population levels.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this important and timely topic.

Dr. Marijana Matek Sarić
Guest Editor

Dr. Tamara Sorić
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

micronutrients
vitamins
minerals
nutrient metabolism
nutritional deficiency
excessive intake
chronic disease prevention
dietary assessment
supplementation
food fortification
public health nutrition
human health
nutritional biomarkers

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 596 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exclusive Breastfeeding Is Not Ensuring an Adequate Vitamin B Status in Premature Infants with Very Low Birth Weight

by Anne-Lise Bjørke-Monsen, Ingrid Kristin Torsvik, Mariann Haavik Lysfjord Bentsen, Thomas Halvorsen and Per Magne Ueland

Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030423 - 27 Jan 2026

Viewed by 741

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of corrected age (CA) is recommended for premature infants with very low birth weight (<1500 g) (VLBW). B vitamins are essential for normal development and growth, including DNA methylation, and we investigated whether exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months provides an adequate cobalamin, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B2 status compared to additional or exclusive formula feeding from term to 12 months CA. Methods: In recruited infants born prematurely with VLBW, levels of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), folate, vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, PLP), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and the metabolic markers, total homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), were determined at term (n = 35) and at 2 (n = 47), 6 (n = 48), and 12 months (n = 58) CA. Results: Only a minority of the infants were given multivitamin supplementation, and this was associated with higher PLP and riboflavin levels. One-third of the infants were exclusively breastfed to 6 months CA, and these had lower cobalamin, PLP, and riboflavin concentrations compared to formula-fed infants; additionally, 80% had plasma tHcy concentrations ≥ 6.5 µmol/L, indicative of cobalamin deficiency during the first 6 months CA. Serious deficiency of one or more B vitamins was evident in 3–9% of the infants at each time point during the first 12 months CA, more often in breastfed infants, but not exclusively. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding with inadequate multivitamin supplementation and no specific recommendation for introduction of solid food does not provide an adequate B vitamin status in infants born prematurely with VLBW. Nutritional micronutrient recommendations must be improved, and regular evaluation of vitamin status should be implemented in the follow-up for premature VLBW infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Human Health: From Metabolism to Public Health Strategies)

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32 pages, 2543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamins D, A and E, and Beta-Carotene in Adherent and Non-Adherent Individuals with Phenylketonuria: Cross-Sectional Study, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Kamila Bokayeva, Małgorzata Jamka, Łukasz Kałużny, Monika Duś-Żuchowska, Natalia Wichłacz-Trojanowska, Renata Mozrzymas, Agnieszka Chrobot, Dariusz Walkowiak, Olga Ļubina, Ilya Rabkevich, Szymon Kurek, Anna Miśkiewicz-Chotnicka, Gulnara Sultanova, Karl-Heinz Herzig, Madara Auzenbaha and Jarosław Walkowiak

Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3932; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243932 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: The impact of dietary adherence and formula intake regularity on fat-soluble vitamin status in phenylketonuria (PKU) is uncertain. This study assessed whether vitamin A, D, E, and beta-carotene levels differ by dietary adherence and regularity of Phe-free formula intake. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 98 individuals (age 6–41 years) with vitamin D measurements. In a subgroup of 68 patients, vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene levels were determined. Vitamin levels were compared between adherent and non-adherent groups and between participants with regular vs. irregular formula intake. A subsequent systematic review and meta-analysis of six studies (from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane; searched in August 2025) pooled standardised mean differences (SMDs) using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Results: The cross-sectional results showed higher vitamin D in adherent (35.60 [30.39–41.65] vs. 32.90 [26.50–40.00] ng/mL, p = 0.034) and regular formula consumers (35.97 [30.03–42.28] vs. 30.20 [26.08–35.06] ng/mL, p = 0.002). Beta-carotene was elevated with regular intake (74.40 [56.70–98.45] vs. 53.20 [34.10–68.60] ng/mL, p = 0.003). Meta-analysis confirmed higher vitamin D in adherent individuals (fixed-effects model, SMD = 0.290, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.576, p = 0.047) and regular consumers (fixed-effects model, SMD = 0.750, 95% CI: 0.382, 1.118, p < 0.0001). No differences were observed for vitamin E or beta-carotene. Conclusions: Adherence to diet and regular formula intake is associated with improved vitamin D status, underscoring the critical role of fortified formulas in PKU management. The very low certainty of evidence necessitates further research, especially for the other fat-soluble vitamins. Nonetheless, clinical practice should emphasise support for adherence and ongoing nutritional monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Human Health: From Metabolism to Public Health Strategies)

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Review

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25 pages, 687 KB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Vitamin D Status on Pancreatic Cancer Risk and Outcomes

by Beata Jabłońska and Sławomir Mrowiec

Nutrients 2026, 18(5), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050837 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 868

Abstract

Vitamin D (VD), a fat-soluble prohormone, exerts diverse effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and immune modulation, with accumulating evidence supporting its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) biology. Experimental studies demonstrate that VD and its analogs can inhibit PDAC cell growth and remodel the tumor microenvironment, potentially contributing to tumor suppression. Epidemiological data indicate that VD deficiency is prevalent among PDAC patients and is associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers and reduced overall survival, particularly in early-stage disease. However, meta-analyses reveal inconsistent associations between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and PDAC incidence, while higher levels may be linked to improved survival but not reduced risk of disease onset. The clinical utility of VD supplementation for PDAC prevention or treatment remains uncertain, with ongoing debate regarding optimal dosing, timing, and patient selection. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanistic, epidemiological, and clinical relevance of VD in PDAC. Particular emphasis is placed on existing knowledge gaps and the need for well-designed clinical trials to clarify the potential therapeutic and prognostic role of VD in pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Human Health: From Metabolism to Public Health Strategies)

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13 pages, 1442 KB

Open AccessReview

How Micronutrient Status May Affect Eating Behavior—Hypothesis and Perspectives

by Wahebah Alanazi, Caroline Allen, Nori Geary, Ailsa Marsh, Jeffrey M. Brunstrom, Peter J. Rogers, Richard D. Mattes, Hans-Rudolf Berthoud, Fred Provenza, Gareth Leng, Mark Schatzker, Sarah Lewis, Adrian Holliday and Kirsten Brandt

Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040594 - 11 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 720

Abstract

The importance of micronutrient status in human food choice remains a fundamental issue needing further investigation. The objectives of the present paper are to present and discuss historic and current research together with a general model incorporating this interaction and to suggest future research to address the questions this poses. By definition, essential nutrients must be consumed in sufficient amounts to meet an individual’s requirements. While data indicate that complex neuroendocrine mechanisms provide negative-feedback control of energy and protein intake to support homeostasis, corresponding mechanisms controlling micronutrient intake are less well studied. In some contexts, they are explicitly assumed to be absent, specifically for models evaluating safety and risks of deficiencies. However, it may be hypothesized that for at least some micronutrients, mechanisms exist that aid attainment of requirements by altering preference for micronutrient-rich foods so as to increase ingestion of foods containing them, similar to how being thirsty increases the appeal of watermelon compared with dry food. If this hypothesis is correct, it may hold important implications for understanding the types and quantities of foods ingested. Greater appeal in foods richer in essential nutrients may reduce the risk of malnutrition. However, by extension, it may be posited that the use of supplements could confound the most healthful food choices. For example, obtaining vitamin C from supplements or fortified foods could then causally reduce the dietary intake of vegetables and fruits by reducing the appeal of these foods. The unintended consequence may be a lower intake of fiber, nitrate, and phytochemicals, food constituents that may contribute to health without being essential nutrients themselves. This hypothesis can and should be tested empirically, for example, through randomized placebo-controlled supplementation trials. If clear causal effects are documented, clinical and public health guidance will require critical evaluation and possible modification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Human Health: From Metabolism to Public Health Strategies)

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30 pages, 450 KB

Open AccessReview

Magnesium: Health Effects, Deficiency Burden, and Future Public Health Directions

by Marijana Matek Sarić, Tamara Sorić, Željka Juko Kasap, Nataša Lisica Šikić, Mladen Mavar, Jurgita Andruškienė and Ana Sarić

Nutrients 2025, 17(22), 3626; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223626 - 20 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 10901

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and a critical cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic reactions that regulate energy metabolism, neuromuscular function, cardiovascular health, bone integrity, immune defense, and psychological well-being. Despite its essential roles, magnesium deficiency remains common worldwide, driven by inadequate dietary intake, chronic diseases, medication use, and lifestyle factors. Low magnesium status is associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, migraines, depression, and chronic inflammation, whereas sufficient intake supports cardiometabolic resilience, skeletal strength, neurological stability, and healthy aging. This review synthesizes current evidence on magnesium metabolism, physiological functions, and the health consequences of deficiency, and it summarizes global status with attention to biomarker limitations, widespread suboptimal intake, and key demographic and lifestyle determinants. It also discusses dietary sources, supplementation, and innovative approaches such as food fortification, personalized nutrition, and improved diagnostic strategies. The evidence highlights magnesium as a modifiable factor with potential to lessen the burden of chronic diseases. Recognizing magnesium deficiency as a pressing but underappreciated public health issue, this article underscores the need for integrated strategies to optimize magnesium balance at both individual and population levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micronutrients and Human Health: From Metabolism to Public Health Strategies)

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