Micronutrient deficiencies in normal and overweight infants in a low socio-economic population in north-east Brazil.

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are the most prevalent form of malnutrition worldwide. Although commonly related to underweight, micronutrient deficiencies can occur in both normal and overweight children in medium- and low-income populations undergoing nutritional transition.

Objective: To describe haemoglobin and micronutrient levels in infants from a low-income area in Brazil in relation to their weight-for-length Z-score.

Infant overweight as early marker of childhood overweight in Brazil.

Objective: To investigate infant overweight and rapid weight gain as predictors of overweight and adiposity in childhood.

Methods: Prospective, longitudinal birth cohort following 153 low-income Brazilian children. Weight, length, middle upper arm circumference (MUAC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) were measured on enrolment and 6-monthly for 18 months.