Introduction: The present study describes the distribution of selected micronutrients and anaemia among school-aged children living in Libo Kemkem and Fogera (Amhara State, Ethiopia), assessing differences by socio-demographic characteristics, health status and dietary habits.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out during May-December 2009. Socio-demographic characteristics, health status and dietary habits were collected. Biomarkers were determined for 764 children. Bivariate and multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess micronutrient deficiencies (MD), anaemia, and their association with different factors.
Results: More than two thirds of the school-aged children (79.5%) had at least one MD and 40.5% had two or more coexisting micronutrient deficiencies. The most prevalent deficiencies were of zinc (12.5%), folate (13.9%), vit A (29.3%) and vit D (49%). Anaemia occurred in 30.9% of the children. Children living in rural areas were more likely to have vit D insufficiency [OR: 5.9 (3.7-9.5)] but less likely to have folate deficiency [OR: 0.2 (0.1-0.4)] and anaemia [OR: 0.58 (0.35-0.97)]. Splenomegaly was positively associated with folate deficiency and anaemia [OR: 2.77 (1.19-6.48) and 4.91 (2.47-9.75)]. Meat and fish consumption were inversely correlated with zinc and ferritin deficiencies [OR: 0.2 (0.1-0.8) and 0.2 (0.1-0.9)], while oil consumption showed a negative association with anaemia and deficiencies of folate and vitamin A [0.58 (0.3-0.9), OR: 0.5 (0.3-0.9) and 0.6 (0.4-0.9)]. Serum ferritin levels were inversely correlated to the presence of anaemia (p<0.005).
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency and a moderate prevalence of zinc and folate deficiencies in school-aged children in this area. The inverse association of anaemia and serum ferritin levels may be due to the presence of infectious diseases in the area. To effectively tackle malnutrition, strategies should target not only isolated micronutrient supplementation but also diet diversification.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278675 | PMC |
| http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0112858 | PLOS |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Iron Chelation Prevents Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Sarcopenia in Klotho Gene Mutant Mice, a Genetic Model of Aging.
J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle
February 2025
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
Background: A decline in skeletal muscle mass and function known as skeletal muscle sarcopenia is an inevitable consequence of aging. Sarcopenia is a major cause of decreased muscle strength, physical frailty and increased muscle fatigability, contributing significantly to an increased risk of physical disability and functional dependence among the elderly. There remains a significant need for a novel therapy that can improve sarcopenia and related problems in aging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThiamine Deficiency Is Common and Underrecognized in Emergency Department Oncology Patients.
J Clin Med
January 2025
Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
: Wernicke's encephalopathy can occur in oncology patients independent of alcohol use, likely resulting from poor dietary thiamine intake. High metabolic demands, such as those in acute illnesses seen in the emergency department (ED), can exacerbate thiamine deficiency. In this study, our objective was to assess the incidence of thiamine deficiency in ED oncology patients, which could lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy or other thiamine deficiency disorders if left untreated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVitamin D Supplementation in Critically Ill-Narrative Review.
Nutrients
December 2024
Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Background: Studies have shown a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients, and these patients are at higher risk for pneumonia and have increased incidence of sepsis and mortality. In this study, we reviewed available literature from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients and summarized the evidence in this narrative review.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials that included vitamin D supplementation as an intervention were eligible for inclusion.
Assessing the Nutrient Composition of a Carnivore Diet: A Case Study Model.
Nutrients
December 2024
Human Potential Centre, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand.
Background/objectives: The rise in chronic metabolic diseases has led to the exploration of alternative diets. The carnivore diet, consisting exclusively of animal products, has gained attention, anecdotally, for imparting benefit for inflammatory conditions beyond that possible by other restrictive dietary approaches. The aim was to assess the micronutrient adequacy of four versions of the carnivore diet against national nutrient reference values (NRVs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImpacts of Copper Deficiency on Oxidative Stress and Immune Function in Mouse Spleen.
Nutrients
December 2024
School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
Introduction: Copper is an essential trace element crucial for enzyme synthesis and metabolism. Adequate copper levels are beneficial for maintaining the normal immune function of the spleen. Copper deficiency disrupts the metabolic processes within the spleen and impairs its immune function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!