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Micronutrient Status and Other Correlates of Hemoglobin among Children with Stunting: A Cross-Sectional Study in

Rolland Mutumba1,2, Joseph Mbabazi1,2, Hannah Pesu1

  • 1Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

Nutrients
|September 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Anemia is prevalent in stunted children in Uganda, linked to micronutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and malaria. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving child health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood anemia is a significant health issue in low-income countries, often exacerbated by undernutrition and infections.
  • Stunted growth in children is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for developing anemia.
  • Eastern Uganda presents a specific context for investigating anemia prevalence and its determinants in vulnerable child populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of anemia among stunted children aged 12-59 months in eastern Uganda.
  • To identify the association between micronutrient status (iron, cobalamin, folate, vitamin A), stunting severity, inflammation, malaria, and hemoglobin levels.
  • To determine the correlates of low hemoglobin and anemia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted among 750 stunted children aged 12-59 months in eastern Uganda.
  • Hemoglobin levels and markers for iron, cobalamin, folate, and vitamin A status were measured.
  • Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between various factors and hemoglobin/anemia.

Main Results:

  • 65% of the 750 stunted children studied had anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/L).
  • Low levels of serum ferritin, transferrin receptors, plasma folate, cobalamin, and serum retinol-binding protein were significantly associated with lower hemoglobin.
  • Severe stunting, inflammation, and malaria were also identified as negative correlates of hemoglobin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Anemia is highly common among stunted children in eastern Uganda.
  • Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, folate, and cobalamin, are strongly associated with low hemoglobin levels.
  • Inflammation and malaria are significant contributing factors to anemia in this population, highlighting the need for integrated health interventions.

Keywords:
anemiahemoglobininflammationmalariamicronutrientsstunting

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