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Micronutrient malnutrition profile of infants in South India

K Amrutha Veena1, S Kowsalya, S Kothandapani

  • 1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, India.

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics : the Official Journal of the British Dietetic Association
|June 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Infant nutritional status in Ramanathapuram reveals high rates of low birth weight, underweight, stunting, and wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin A, iodine, and iron, are prevalent, necessitating targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

  • Infant nutritional status is a critical determinant of child health and development.
  • Ramanathapuram district in Tamilnadu faces challenges in ensuring adequate infant nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the nutritional status of infants under one year of age in Ramanathapuram.
  • To identify the prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based cross-sectional study involving 2800 infants (1400 male, 1400 female) across seven taluks.
  • Collection of anthropometric data (weight, length, head, arm, chest circumference) and clinical examination for deficiency signs.
  • Biochemical analysis of serum hemoglobin, vitamin A, and urinary iodine in a subset of infants.

Main Results:

  • 33.5% of infants had low birth weight; 35.4% were underweight, 29.6% stunted, and 18.9% wasted.
  • Clinical signs of micronutrient deficiencies were observed in 21.3% of males and 27.4% of females.
  • Subclinical deficiencies: 67.1% for hemoglobin, 52.1% for vitamin A, and 32.9% for iodine.

Conclusions:

  • Micronutrient deficiencies, specifically vitamin A, iodine, and iron, remain highly prevalent among infants in Ramanathapuram.
  • The findings underscore the urgent need for effective public health interventions to address these deficiencies.
Abstract

Keywords:
Indiahaemoglobininfantsiodinemicronutrientvitamin A

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