A micronutrient information portal

Micronutrients such as vitamins, zinc, selenium and antioxidants are required in small amounts for normal physiological function. Data on the precise role, metabolism and health effects of these nutrients are, however, scattered among databases and publications worldwide, or are not easily accessible.

Through collaboration with 16 distinguished universities and research institutes worldwide, the EU-funded MICROGENNET project aims to create a community-driven knowledge base for micronutrient research. This programme is closely associated with another micronutrient information portal, the Micronutrient Genomics Project (MGP), for the evaluation of the relationship between micronutrients and health.

Using wiki-based tools, the expertise of consortium partners is being harnessed to create a public portal and information toolbox to collate and analyse publically available data. All partners can access and edit the wiki pages, thus creating an interactive environment within the micronutrient research community.

To aid European knowledge transfer, the project has established an exchange programme for young researchers to visit international partners' facilities.

Ultimately, MICROGENNET hopes to develop intake recommendations for each specific micronutrient. This will promote the prevention of both acute illness and chronic disease.