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Anemia, Micronutrient Status, and Anthropometric Indicators in Undernourished Under-five Children: A Comprehensive

Aswanth Ks1, Nikhil Rajvanshi1, Vinod Kumar1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.

EJIFCC
|December 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Undernutrition in children significantly increases the risk of anemia, a serious condition impacting development. This study highlights the high prevalence of anemia and associated micronutrient deficiencies in undernourished children, emphasizing the need for greater attention to this critical issue.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Undernutrition is a global health concern affecting child development.
  • Anemia is a common comorbidity in undernourished children, increasing mortality.
  • The interplay between undernutrition and anemia requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the clinical and laboratory characteristics of anemia in under-five children with undernutrition.
  • To determine the prevalence and types of anemia in this vulnerable population.
  • To identify associated micronutrient deficiencies and clinical factors.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undernourished children aged six months to five years.
  • Data collected included anemia prevalence, morphological types, micronutrient status, and clinical features.
  • Statistical analysis compared parameters with anemia severity.

Main Results:

  • Anemia was prevalent in 72% of undernourished children, with 14% mild, 33% moderate, and 25% severe.
  • Microcytic anemia (46.5%) was most common, followed by macrocytic anemia (24.3%).
  • Iron deficiency (68.7%) and Vitamin B12 deficiency (45.8%) were significant findings. Mid-upper arm circumference, worm infestation, pica, and serum parameters correlated with anemia severity.

Conclusions:

  • Undernutrition and anemia pose a significant challenge, particularly in developing nations.
  • The high rate of anemia in undernourished children underscores the severity of the problem.
  • Addressing anemia in undernourished children requires urgent and focused attention.
Abstract

Keywords:
Undernutritionanemiagrowthmicronutrientsunder-five

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