Micronutrients and urban life style: selected studies in Jakarta

Urbanisation runs in parallel with economic growth. Urban areas are characterised by income inequality between population groups. Because of inequality in socioeconomic situation, Indonesian urban areas are confronted with problems of undernutrition and overnutrition. Selected studies conducted by the SEAMEO-TROPMED Regional Centre for Community Nutrition have demonstrated that food intake of the lower socioeconomic class households is deficient. Furthermore, intrahousehold food distribution among the lower economic class households is contributory to the determination of food intake. The prevalence of anaemia in urban Jakarta ranges from as low as 4.5% in female school children to as high as 63.2% in pregnant women. Zinc deficiency might also be prevalent among lactating mothers. Strategies for improvement of urban micronutrient status are required and may include food-based, nutrient supplementation of fortification methods.