Perceived Barriers to Micronutrient-Rich Diets Among Charitable-Service Users in Two European Settings: A Qualitative Pilot Study

People experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are disproportionately affected by micronutrient deficiencies, but evidence concerning the barriers to micronutrient-rich diets among disadvantaged populations in European settings is limited. This qualitative study (eight focus groups) explored the experiences of 68 beneficiaries of charitable organisations in Trieste, Italy (n = 26), and Olsztyn, Poland (n = 42) (i.e., food-assistance recipients and refugees, including asylum seekers). Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by an adapted Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality (AAAQ) framework. Participants described intersecting economic, physical, temporal, informational, social, cultural, and organisational barriers to accessing and consuming micronutrient-rich foods. High food prices and competing household expenses constrained food choice and variety, while transport, work schedules, cooking and storage restrictions, culturally incompatible provision, social influences, and limited access to professional guidance created additional barriers. Availability and perceived quality differed between retail, food-assistance, and accommodation settings. Participants generally preferred obtaining micronutrients through food, expressed predominantly negative attitudes towards fortified foods, and reported divergent attitudes towards food supplements. The study did not assess dietary intake or micronutrient status but identified perceived barriers that might increase vulnerability to inadequate intake. The findings support context-sensitive, multilevel responses spanning food assistance, social protection, public health, organisational provision, and nutrition communication.