**1. Introduction**

Micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) are obtained from our diet; though required in small amounts, they are necessary for good growth and development [1]. Micronutrients, namely, iron, cobalt, manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, nickel, zinc, copper, iodine, fluorine, and chromium, are essential for human health. Many studies showed that nutrition plays a vital role in providing the substances essential for the formation of the early brain structure and also supporting for its good functioning [2]. Micronutrients play a unique metabolic role as cofactors in the absorption and digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and lipids to release energy [3]. Micronutrients play a very important role in all the metabolic activities like cell signaling, motility, cell division, and cell differentiation and death and, in turn, regulate the tissue development [4].

Micronutrient deficiencies can badly affect the health of individuals, which influence the world's morbidity and mortality [5]. These deficiencies are referred to as "hidden hunger" which affects about 2 billion people [6] and may lead to high rates of illness, obesity, underdevelopment, and even deaths in children of age below 5 years [7]. Among various vegetables and fruits that are rich in micronutrients, chilies have various essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins (A, C, E), and other important phytochemical compounds [8]. They also pose some human health benefits like preventing diseases such as obesity, heart diseases, and different cancers [9]. An alkaloid, namely, capsaicin, is present in pepper which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects on the digestive system and is used in relieving pain and also to lose weight [10]. Thus providing diet that is rich in pepper can be supportive in an ongoing quest to ease micronutrient deficiencies.
