Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Micronutrient deficiencies in children represent a significant global health challenge. Currently, there are limited nationally representative reports on micronutrient deficiencies among Chinese children and adolescents. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This study presents nationally representative data on six micronutrient deficiencies. Among children and adolescents aged 3-17 years in China, the overall prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, marginal vitamin A deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, low selenium status, and copper deficiency were 0.3%, 12.1%, 23.9%, 41.2%, 10.9%, 3.3%, 7.1%, and 1.6%, respectively. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Among children and adolescents aged 3-17 years in China, vitamin D deficiency in adolescents (12-17 years), iron deficiency in adolescent girls (12-17 years), and low selenium status in rural areas emerge as the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies requiring targeted interventions.