It has been stated earlier that in a country where food sources of the nutrient are available the long term goal is dietary diversification. Food fortification or supplementation are interim measures until education can achieve the change in diet needed to correct the problem. This assumption is based on the idea that the families of those children with deficiencies do not know how to select the right components of their diets or cannot afford them. Research has shown that the nutrition knowledge of mothers in poor families whose children have marginal micro-nutrient deficiencies can be quite adequate. An absence of knowledge is not always the barrier to consumption of the necessary foods.
Dietary diversification involves a change in dietary habits.
Every nation needs to define its own strategies to end micro-nutrient malnutrition. A key to global achievement is the rapid transfer of successful technologies and strategies between nations. Each successful adoption lowers barriers, risks and costs for subsequent efforts. Communication plays a crucial role. The introduction of fortified foods into the regular food supply is often a complex process that involves opening new communication channels between public health authorities, researchers, regulators, food companies and consumer organisations.