Micronutrient deficiencies often occur silently and are difficult to detect. If not detected early, they can cause children to have slow physical and mental development and impaired motor, immune, digestive functions, cardiovascular disease, and even stroke. It is estimated that about 1/4 of Vietnamese children are micronutrient deficient.

Previous studies have provided strong evidence that early childhood malnutrition, protein deficiency, energy deficiency, iron deficiency and iodine deficiency lead to impaired cognitive function and growth. Recent research continues to show that micronutrients also play a role in child development.