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Nutritional stunting in Egypt: which nutrient is responsible?
S A Ibrahim1, A Abd el-Maksoud, M F Nassar
1Department of Research and Field Study, Nutrition Institute, Cairo, Egypt.
Summary
Nutrient deficiencies, including lower levels of hemoglobin, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, and magnesium, are linked to linear growth retardation in Egyptian children. These deficiencies may collectively contribute to stunting in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Linear growth retardation, or stunting, is a significant public health concern in children.
- Nutritional deficiencies are suspected contributors to stunting, but specific relationships require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between linear growth retardation and deficiencies in specific nutrients among Egyptian children.
- To identify key nutrient deficiencies potentially contributing to stunting in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 107 stunted children (aged 10-18 years) and 39 controls.
- Data collection included medical history, physical examinations, laboratory investigations (serum hemoglobin, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, magnesium, zinc), and radiological assessment of bone age for selected cases.
Main Results:
- Stunted children exhibited significantly lower serum levels of hemoglobin, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, and magnesium compared to controls.
- Serum zinc levels were also lower in the stunted group, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Multiple nutrient deficiencies are prevalent in stunted Egyptian children.
- The identified deficiencies (hemoglobin, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, magnesium) may play a role in the etiology of linear growth retardation.