Malnutrition is one of the most pressing global health challenges, affecting over 3 billion people worldwide. A lack of proper nutrition, especially during pregnancy and early childhood, can lead to severe health complications, preventable diseases, and developmental delays.
Vitamin Angels, a global public health nonprofit, is committed to reducing health inequities by ensuring that underserved populations have access to evidence-based nutrition interventions. Operating in more than 65 countries, the organization collaborates with over 1,200 local partners, including governments, to deliver essential vitamins, deworming treatments, and prenatal supplements to over 74 million women and children annually.
In this exclusive feature for David’s Guide, we explore the story behind Vitamin Angels, its mission, impact, and how it continues to change lives worldwide.
From Midwifery to a Global Health Mission
Vitamin Angels was founded in 1994 by Howard B. Schiffer, whose career began in an unexpected way. In his early twenties, Schiffer was a lay midwife, working closely with pregnant women and newborns in the homebirth movement. During this time, he saw firsthand the critical role that nutrition and supplementation play in maternal and infant health.
This experience ignited his passion for nutrition, leading him to start his own vitamin company. Over time, he gained a deep understanding of the natural products industry, forming the connections and expertise that would later become the foundation of Vitamin Angels.
As founder Howard B. Schiffer puts it:
“I truly believe Vitamin Angels came into being to give children and mothers the chance to lead meaningful, healthy, and productive lives.”
How a Natural Disaster Sparked a Global Movement
The turning point came in 1994 when the Northridge Earthquake struck Southern California. In the aftermath of the disaster, a relief organization reached out to Schiffer’s vitamin company, requesting vitamins for the affected communities.
This seemingly simple request opened his eyes to a much bigger issue—the global need for essential vitamins. Upon further research, Schiffer discovered that millions of women and children worldwide lacked access to proper nutrition. Determined to change this, he founded Vitamin Angels, setting out on a mission to deliver life-saving nutrients to those who need them most.
Expanding the Mission Beyond Vitamin A
Initially, Vitamin Angels focused on eliminating vitamin A deficiency in children under five, as vitamin A plays a critical role in immune function, vision, and overall growth. However, as the organization grew, so did its mission.
Today, Vitamin Angels provides a comprehensive package of nutrition solutions, including:
- Vitamin A supplementation to prevent childhood blindness and immune deficiencies
- Deworming treatments to improve nutrient absorption and overall health
- Prenatal vitamins and minerals to support healthy pregnancies
- Supplementary feeding programs for at-risk children
- Breastfeeding support to ensure optimal infant nutrition
By targeting the critical period from conception through age five, these interventions help improve maternal and child health outcomes globally.
The Growing Impact of Climate Change on Nutrition
As the world faces climate change, Vitamin Angels is also addressing the nutritional consequences of environmental shifts. Studies suggest that climate change could cause a 20% increase in hunger and malnutrition by 2050.
As a 1% for the Planet environmental partner, Vitamin Angels is committed to mitigating these effects by ensuring that vulnerable communities—especially mothers and children—continue to receive essential nutrition despite environmental challenges.
The Power of Partnerships
Vitamin Angels thrives on the belief that collaboration is essential to improving global nutrition. The organization partners with a diverse network of stakeholders, including:
1. Program Partners
Vitamin Angels works with community health organizations, hospitals, and governments to train local healthcare workers and expand access to essential nutrition services. These partners are instrumental in distributing vitamin A, deworming tablets, and prenatal multivitamins to underserved communities.
2. Corporate Partners
Many corporations have supported Vitamin Angels for over a decade, drawn by its mission-driven approach and measurable impact. Through cause marketing, employee engagement initiatives, and sustainability programs, corporate sponsors help fund and expand life-changing nutrition interventions.
3. Individual Donors
Individuals can also contribute to Vitamin Angels’ mission by donating. Even small contributions help deliver essential nutrients to mothers and children worldwide.
Measuring Impact: How Vitamin Angels Tracks Success
To ensure accountability and transparency, Vitamin Angels uses the Lives Saved Tool (LiST), developed by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This tool helps quantify the real-world impact of nutrition interventions, tracking improvements in birth outcomes, child survival rates, education levels, and maternal health.
In 2024, the organization’s reach resulted in:
- 42,000 children’s lives saved
- 38 million cases of diarrhea prevented (a major cause of child mortality)
- 4,000 stillbirths prevented
- 360,000 cases of anemia averted in pregnant women (protecting both mother and baby)
- 37,000 additional years of schooling for children born in 2024
To put it into perspective:
- Every minute, a pregnant woman avoided anemia.
- Every 10 minutes, a baby received essential nutrients for a healthier start.
- Every 15 minutes, a child’s life was saved.
These numbers highlight the tangible, life-saving impact of Vitamin Angels’ work.
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
One of the key strengths of Vitamin Angels is its sustainable model. Rather than working in isolation, the organization partners with local governments, nonprofits, and academic institutions to strengthen healthcare systems and train local professionals.
Vitamin Angels is also committed to:
- Delivering only evidence-based nutrition interventions
- Providing high-quality vitamins and minerals that meet strict safety standards
- Ensuring that all funding is used effectively to maximize impact
This commitment to excellence and accountability has earned Vitamin Angels a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator—placing it among the top 3% of charities worldwide for financial transparency and performance.
What’s Next for Vitamin Angels?
With a strong foundation and new leadership under CEO Ana Céspedes, Vitamin Angels is setting its sights on even greater impact. By 2033, the goal is to double the number of women and children reached annually—from 74 million to 140 million.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to be part of this life-changing mission? You can help by:
- Donating – Every dollar contributes to life-saving nutrition interventions.
- Spreading Awareness – Share Vitamin Angels’ mission with your network.
- Becoming a Corporate Partner – Align your brand with a powerful cause.
Every contribution—big or small—helps fight malnutrition and saves lives.
Conclusion: A Healthier Future for All
Malnutrition remains one of the biggest barriers to health and well-being, affecting billions of people worldwide. Vitamin Angels is at the forefront of tackling this crisis by delivering essential nutrition to underserved communities and ensuring that mothers and children have access to the nutrients they need to thrive.
Through strategic partnerships with governments, nonprofits, corporations, and local healthcare providers, Vitamin Angels has built a scalable, sustainable model that strengthens existing health systems rather than creating parallel structures. By focusing on proven, evidence-based interventions, such as vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and prenatal vitamins, the organization is making a measurable impact on maternal and child health.
One of the standout aspects of Vitamin Angels is its commitment to transparency and accountability. With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating—placing it in the top 3% of charities worldwide—the organization ensures that every donation is maximized for real-world impact. Using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST), Vitamin Angels quantifies its reach and effectiveness, demonstrating how its programs save lives, prevent diseases, and improve long-term health outcomes.
Looking ahead, Vitamin Angels aims to double its reach, expanding from 74 million to 140 million women and children annually by 2033. But this ambitious goal can only be achieved with continued support.
You can help change lives today! Whether through donations, corporate partnerships, or simply spreading awareness, every effort brings the world closer to health equity for all.
To learn more and contribute to this mission, visit vitaminangels.org.