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Interactions between growth and nutrient status in school-age children of urban Bangladesh
F Ahmed1, S Barua, M Mohiduzzaman
1Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
This study in Bangladeshi children reveals complex nutritional interactions. Higher height-for-age correlated with better vitamin A and zinc levels, while serum vitamin A strongly influenced hemoglobin.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Childhood malnutrition is a significant public health issue in developing countries.
- Understanding the interplay of various biomarkers and socioeconomic factors is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research indicates links between micronutrients and anthropometric measurements, but complex interactions require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between biochemical, anthropometric, and sociodemographic indicators in children.
- To identify key factors influencing nutritional status in a Bangladeshi pediatric population.
- To explore the complex interactions among nutritional biomarkers and related variables.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 242 children aged 5-12 years from five schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.
- Collection and analysis of biochemical data (serum hemoglobin, protein, vitamin A, zinc, copper).
- Assessment of anthropometric (height-for-age, weight-for-age) and sociodemographic (family income, age) data.
- Multiple regression analysis to determine significant relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Increased height-for-age was associated with higher mean serum concentrations of hemoglobin, protein, vitamin A, and zinc.
- Serum copper concentrations were highest in the shortest children and inversely related to serum vitamin A levels.
- Multiple regression analysis identified family income, age, weight-for-age, hemoglobin, and serum copper as significant predictors of serum vitamin A.
- A strong positive association was found between serum vitamin A and hemoglobin (4.92 unit change in hemoglobin per unit change in vitamin A).
Conclusions:
- A complex interplay exists between biochemical markers of nutritional status and anthropometric and sociodemographic variables in children.
- Vitamin A and hemoglobin concentrations are significantly interrelated, suggesting potential co-dependencies in nutritional status.
- Findings highlight the multifaceted nature of childhood nutrition and the need for integrated assessment approaches.
Abstract:
The relationship between biochemical, anthropometric, and sociodemographic indexes was investigated in 242 children aged 5-12 y from five schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. As height-for-age increased so too did the mean serum concentrations of hemoglobin, protein, vitamin A, and zinc; serum copper concentrations were highest in the shortest group. Serum copper concentrations were highest in those with the lowest serum vitamin A concentrations. By multiple regression analysis, family income, age, weight-for-age, hemoglobin, and serum copper were strongly related to serum vitamin A. For every unit change in serum vitamin A there was a 4.92 unit change in hemoglobin, when all the other factors were taken into account. This study shows that there is a complex interaction between concentrations of biochemical indexes of nutritional status and other anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic variables.