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Growth and hematological studies on Brazilian children of low socioeconomic level
C A Nogueira-de-Almeida1, R G Ricco, L A Del Ciampo
1University of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Insights
Iron-deficiency anemia is prevalent in Brazilian preschoolers despite adequate calorie and protein intake. This study highlights the need to address low iron bioavailability to prevent malnutrition in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Anemia and undernutrition are global health issues, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding the link between anthropometric deficits and iron deficiency is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research indicates a potential disconnect between overall nutritional status and specific micronutrient deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anthropometric status, iron deficiency, and anemia in institutionalized Brazilian preschoolers.
- To evaluate the dietary intake and iron bioavailability in the studied population.
- To inform public health strategies for preventing malnutrition in low socioeconomic preschool children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 115 institutionalized children aged 12-72 months in Southeastern Brazil.
- Collection of personal data, weight, height, and hematological profiles.
- Dietary assessment using a direct food-weighing method in a subset of 20 children.
Main Results:
- Low prevalence of underweight (2.6%), low weight-for-height (1.7%), and stunting (4.3%).
- High prevalence of anemia (68.7%) among the children.
- Diet analysis revealed adequate macronutrient intake but low iron bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a unique nutritional profile: good anthropometric status coexisting with severe iron-deficiency anemia.
- Preventing malnutrition requires addressing iron deficiency, not solely focusing on calorie and protein supply.
- Interventions must consider the low bioavailability of iron in the diets of low socioeconomic preschool children in Brazil.
Abstract:
Anemia and undernutrition are common all over the world, especially in less developed countries. The relationship between low weight, short stature and iron deficiency should be better understood so that appropriate measures might be taken to prevent these problems. A total of 115 institutionalized children aged 12 to 72 months were studied in day-care institutions in the town of Pontal, Southeastern Brazil, during the second semester of 1999. Personal data, weight, height and hematological profile were obtained from all subjects. Food intake was evaluated in 20 children by a direct food-weighing method. The prevalence of low weight for age (2.6%), low weight for height (1.7%) and low height for age (4.3%) was considered low. Anemia was observed in 68.7% of the children. Diet was found to be adequate in terms of the major nutrients evaluated, but food iron supply was of low bioavailability. In conclusion, the population studied revealed a peculiar behavior i.e., the coexistence of fairly good anthropometric nutritional status along with iron-deficiency anemia. The prevention of this kind of malnutrition cannot be limited to an adequate calorie/protein supply but should also be based on the correction of the severe iron deficiency present in this low socioeconomic level preschool children in Brazil.
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