Co-existing micronutrient deficiencies among stunted Cambodian infants and toddlers

The prevalence of malnutrition in Cambodia is among the highest in Southeast Asia, and diarrhea and pneumonia are the leading causes of death among children. Whether these adverse health outcomes are associated with co-existing micronutrient deficiencies is uncertain. We have determined the prevalence of anaemia, as well as iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiency and their co-existence among stunted children (77 females; 110 males) aged 6-36 mos. Non-fasting morning venipuncture blood samples were taken and analyzed for haemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (via IMx system), retinol (via HPLC), and Zn (via AAS), C-reactive protein (CRP) (via turbidimetry) and Hb type (AA, AE, or EE) (via Hb gel electrophoresis). Children with CRP>or=5.0 mg/L (n=34) were excluded. Zinc deficiency defined as serum Zn<9.9 micromol/L had the highest prevalence (73.2%), followed by anaemia (71%) (Hb<110 g/L), and then vitamin A deficiency (28.4%) (serum retinol<0.70 micromol/L). Of the anaemic children, only 21% had iron deficiency anaemia, and 6% had depleted iron stores. Age, log serum ferritin, and Hb type were significant predictors of Hb in the AA and AE children. Serum retinol was unrelated to haemoglobin or serum zinc. The prevalence of two or more micronutrient deficiencies (low Hb, serum retinol, and/or serum zinc) was 44%. Nearly 10% had low values for all three indices, and 18% had just one low value. In conclusion, anaemia, and deficiencies of iron, zinc, and vitamin A are severe public health problems among these stunted Cambodian children. Intervention strategies addressing multiple micronutrient deficiencies are needed.     

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adult population of Isfahan City, Iran

Determination of vitamin D status in different age-groups in a community and in different climates of a country is necessary and has important implications for general health. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the adult population of Isfahan, a centrally-located city in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 1,111 healthy people-243 men and 868 women--aged 41.4 (mean 14 and range 20-80) years, who attended a single-consultation outpatient clinic, were selected. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured. Mild, moderate and severe vitamin D deficiencies were defined as 25-OHD values of 20-30 ng/mL, 10-20 ng/mL, and < 10 ng/mL respectively. The median (range) concentrations of 25-OHD were 21 (4.0-105.0) ng/mL in males and 18 (1.5-117) ng/mL in females (p = 0.05). The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe vitamin D deficiencies among the adult population was 19.6%, 23.9%, and 26.9% respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among women (p = 0.001) and younger age-group (p = 0.001). Medians of 25-OHD in spring-summer and autumn-winter were 21 ng/mL and 18 ng/mL respectively (p = 0.005). The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was higher in autumn-winter than in spring-summer (odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2-2.2, p = 0.001). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was high in a sunny city--Isfahan--especially among women and younger population. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this city emphasizes the necessity of vitamin D supplementation as more exposure to sun is limited due to the type of clothing required by current law.     

A study of prevalence of protein energy malnutrition among 0-5 years in rural Benue State, Nigeria

Three hundred and seventy pre-school children (181 males and 189 females) were studied in order to document the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition and factors that militate it. The prevalence of protein energy malnutrition among the children was revealed to be 41.6% (154). One hundred and fiftyone (40.8%) of them were found to have weight-for-height below -2SD indicating level of stunting among the children. Most malnourished children belonged to mothers who were illiterate 97 (54.8%) when viewed from the mothers' educational perspective. This study also showed the following factors that were statistically significant with PEM: educational status of mothers (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05) of mothers, occupational status of mothers (p=0.000), parental income per annum (p=0.000), length of breastfeeding (p=0.000), water supply and regularity, type of housing and toilet facilities. Intensification of health education aimed at encouraging beneficial childhood feeding practices in the community is needed together with further study on the subject, which will be directed at actual analysis of the nutritive values of available local foodstuffs as a prerequisite for an effective intervention programme.     

Vitamin A deficiency in southern Ethiopia

In Arsi and Bale regions of Ethiopia we found an area in which vitamin A deficiency is hyperendemic and linked to monocrop grain farming. The prevalence of mild xerophthalmia is higher in villages than settlements and higher in settlements than towns (p less than 0.001 for both). The prevalence of mild xerophthalmia is higher in males than females (p = 0.03) and the difference cannot be explained by ecological factors. Nutritional status, length of weaning, severe diseases, and intake of food with low-vitamin A content are factors associated with vitamin A deficiency. Length of weaning and severe diseases play a more important role than nutritional status in this study. The prevalence of diarrhea and respiratory diseases was twice as high in children with xerophthalmia than in children without (p less than 0.001 and less than 0.02, respectively). The incidence of measles was higher in children with vitamin A deficiency than in children without, relative risk 4.7 (p = 0.01).     

Malnutrition among 3 to 5 Years Old Children in Baghdad City,Iraq: A Cross-sectional Study

The unstable geopolitical situation in Iraq since 2003 still affects the health of people, especially children. Several factors may indirectly affect a child''s nutritional status. The main aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to malnutrition among 3 to 5 years old children in Baghdad city, Iraq. Two hundred twenty children aged 3 to 5 years were chosen randomly from four kindergartens in Baghdad city according to the cross-sectional design. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using a weight-for-age z-score based on the World Health Organization 2007 cutoff points, in which any child with a z-score of <-2 is considered to be malnourished. The overall prevalence rate of underweight children was 18.2%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence rate between males and females (p=0.797). However, the percentage of underweight children was slightly higher among females (18.9%) compared to males (17.6%). There was no association between parents’ educational level or employment status and childhood malnutrition. There was no association between a family''s movement from their house and childhood malnutrition (p=0.322). Living in an unsafe neighbourhood and having a family member killed during the past five years were significantly associated with childhood malnutrition (p=0.016 and 0.018 respectively). Childhood malnutrition is still a public-health concern in Baghdad city, especially after the war of 2003. Malnutrition is significantly associated with living in unsafe neighbourhoods and at least one family member having been killed during the past five years.Key words: Children, Insecure living environment, Underweight, Iraq     

广州市儿童维生素D水平及其与甲状旁腺素的关系

了解广州市儿童维生素D水平及其与甲状旁腺素(PTH)的关系,为减少儿童维生素D缺乏性疾病的发生和改善儿童骨骼健康提供科学依据.方法 采用横断面研究,对2015年广州市某妇幼保健院健康体检的976名儿童进行体格检查,采集空腹静脉血,用化学发光法检测血清25-羟维生素D[25(OH)D]和甲状滂腺素(PTH).结果 儿童血清25(OH)D平均水平为(90.67±36.55) nmol/L,其中男童为(90.14±34.89) nmol/L,女童为(91.33±38.58) nmol/L,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).维生素D缺乏率及不足率分别为11.37%和25.31%,性别间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).不同年龄儿童血清25(OH)D水平差异有统计学意义(F=55.547,P<0.05),血清25(OH)D水平随年龄增长呈下降趋势.不同年龄儿童维生素D营养状况差异有统计学意义(x2=87.352,P< 0.05),维生素D缺乏率及不足率随年龄增长而升高(x2趋势=68.909,P<0.05).儿童血清PTH平均水平为(2.38±1.29) pmol/L,维生素D缺乏及不足儿童血清PTH水平均高于维生素D充足儿童,差异有统计学意义(F=10.427,P<0.05).血清25(OH)D水平与PTH呈负相关(r=-0.149,P=0.000).结论 广州市0~16岁儿童维生素D缺乏率及不足率较高,年长儿童维生素D营养状况较年幼儿童差,血清25(OH)D与PTH水平呈负相关.应采取合理措施改善儿童维生素D的营养状况.     

广州地区儿童维生素D营养状况及其与超重肥胖关系的研究

目的 了解广州地区儿童维生素D(Vit D)营养状况,分析儿童超重肥胖与Vit D营养状况的关系,为儿童Vit D的合理补充、预防Vit D缺乏性疾病提供科学依据。方法 采用横断面研究,收集广东省妇幼保健院健康体检儿童的年龄、性别,测量身高、体重,计算体质指数(BMI),采集空腹静脉血,用化学发光法检测血清中25-羟维生素D[25-(OH)D]水平。结果 共收集7 578名儿童,血清25-(OH)D平均水平为(98.57±39.96)nmol/L,其中男童为(98.58±39.64)nmol/L,女童为(98.56±40.38)nmol/L,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);658名儿童Vit D缺乏 (8.68%)、1 602名儿童Vit D不足 (21.14%),不同性别儿童Vit D缺乏率及不足率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。不同年龄儿童血清25-(OH)D水平差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),血清25-(OH)D水平随年龄增加逐渐下降;不同年龄儿童Vit D营养状况差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),Vit D缺乏率及不足率随年龄增加而升高(χ²_趋势=275.266,P<0.05)。超重、肥胖儿童血清25-(OH)D水平低于正常儿童,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);超重、肥胖儿童Vit D缺乏率及不足率均高于正常儿童,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清25-(OH)D水平与BMI呈负相关(P<0.001)。结论 广州地区学龄儿童和超重肥胖儿童Vit D营养状况均较差,应重视儿童尤其是学龄儿童、超重、肥胖儿童Vit D的合理补充。     

Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Four Selected Rural Communities in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

Under- and over-nutrition co-exist as the double burden of malnutrition that poses a public health concern in countries of the developing regions, including South Africa (SA). Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five years are the most affected by malnutrition, especially in rural areas. Major contributing factors of malnutrition include food and nutrition insecurity, poverty, and unhealthy lifestyles. The current study aimed to assess the nutritional status, using selected anthropometric indices and dietary intake methods (repeated 24 h recall and food frequency), of four rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (SA). Purposive sampling generated a sample of 50 households each in three rural areas: Swayimane, Tugela Ferry, and Umbumbulu and 21 households at Fountain Hill Estate. The Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method was used to assess the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake. Stunting (30.8%; n = 12) and overweight (15.4%; n = 6) were prevalent in children under five years, whilst obesity was highly prevalent among adult females (39.1%; n = 81), especially those aged 16–35 years. There was a high intake of carbohydrates and a low intake of fibre and micronutrients, including vitamin A, thus, confirming the need for a food-based approach to address malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin A deficiency.     

2019年蒙自市中小学生常见病监测结果分析

目的：了解2019年蒙自市中小学生常见病的患病现况,为制定防治和干预措施提供理论依据。方法：收集2019年蒙自市7所学校6～18岁儿童青少年常见病的监测数据,按性别和年级对常见病检出率进行差异性比较,并分析检出率随年级的变化趋势。结果：2019年蒙自市中小学生视力低下、近视、乳牙龋齿、恒牙龋齿、超重、肥胖和不良的营养检出率分别为62.5%、48.5%、21.3%、35.7%、12.9%、8.9%和11.7%。女生视力低下、近视、恒牙龋齿的检出率高于男生,差异有统计学意义(χ²值分别为83.981、66.539和28.566,P值均<0.05)。男生肥胖、消瘦检出率高于女生,差异有统计学意义(χ²值分别为9.199和5.140,P值均<0.05)。随着年级的增高,小学生视力低下、近视、恒牙龋齿、超重、生长迟缓的检出率呈上升趋势,差异有统计学意义(χ²值分别为132.274、488.058、545.233、22.414和22.414,P值均<0.05);随着年级的增高,小学生乳牙龋齿、肥胖的检出率呈下降趋势...     

Assessment of vitamin A deficiency in a rural area in Mali. Estimation of sample size for the impression cytology test.

The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among two to ten years old children in a rural area of Mali was assessed by ophthalmic examination, determination of plasma retinol levels and impression cytology with transfer tests. A Public Health problem of vitamin A deficiency was identified in this rural area by: the prevalence of nightblindness significantly (p < 0.001) above the cut-off (1%) defined by the World Health Organization (WHO); the prevalence of corneal scarring significantly (p < 0.001) above the WHO's cut-off (0.05%); the percentage of subjects with plasma retinol levels below 0.35 mumol/l (10 micrograms/dl) significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the WHO's threshold (5%); and 52.8 +/- 8.2% children with "Abnormal" impression cytology as determined by the impression cytology test (IC). This preliminary survey confirmed widespread vitamin A deficiency in Mali. The minimum sample size required for a study using the impression cytology test to determinate a Public Health problem in a population was calculated for different situations. Ophthalmic examination indicated a very high rate of active trachoma (29.6 +/- 7.0%), and a relationship between active trachoma and impression cytology results was identified.     

Chronic disease risk factors in vitamin/mineral supplement users and nonusers in a farm population

Dietary, anthropometric, and chronic disease risk factors (CDRF) in vitamin/mineral supplement users (U) and non-users (NU) were measured in a farm population consisting of 162 subjects (46% females and 54% males; 20-79 years of age, mean age: 52 years). Subjects were white, except for two black males. Supplements were used by 62 subjects (38%); 47% of females and 31% of males used supplements; 43% of subjects over 50 years of age and 32% of subjects age 50 or under used supplements. Both dietary intake and energy expenditure were measured using 4-day records. Indices of adiposity included body weight, BMI, and estimated body fat. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), serum ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, zinc, copper, and vitamin C were based on 12-hr fasting blood samples. Dietary intake (excluding supplements) for vitamin/mineral U was greater than NU for vitamin C (p = 0.006), thiamin (p = 0.01), riboflavin (p = 0.03), niacin (p = 0.02), folic acid (p = 0.001), vitamin B6 (p = 0.01), and magnesium (p = 0.019). Vitamin C levels were significantly higher and the sum of four skinfolds was significantly lower among U than NU. In this population, 24% of males and 18% of females had TC levels over 240 mg%; 8% of both males and females had blood pressures (BP) greater than 140/90 mm Hg, while 49% of males and 46% of females had BP between 120/80 and 140/90; and 71% of males were more than 25% fat, and 56% of females were more than 35% fat. Despite the high prevalence of CDRF, there were no significant differences between supplement U and NU.     

绵阳城区儿童维生素A缺乏与贫血及体格生长的相关性研究

目的 调查四川绵阳地区婴幼儿维生素A(VA)、贫血及体格生长水平情况,分析VA缺乏(VAD)与贫血及体格生长间的关系,为制定防控措施提供依据。方法 选取2017年5月-2019年7月在绵阳市妇幼保健院儿童保健科就诊的1 090名0~3岁儿童,进行VA及贫血检测,测量其身长、体重,采用WHO参考值计算Z评分和营养不良率。结果 VA平均水平为(0.28±0.07)mg/dl,可疑亚临床缺乏(SVAD)及VAD的发病率分别为50.1%及9.60%。男女性别间可疑SVAD、VAD发病率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);VAD组、可疑SVAD组贫血患病率分别为26.67%、18.50%,均较正常组12.98%显著增高(P<0.05);低体重、生长迟缓、消瘦率分别为1.10%、3.49%、0.73%,不同VA水平婴幼儿低体重、生长迟缓、消瘦发病情况差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但VA正常组生长优良率明显高于VA异常组(χ²_WAZ=9.124,P_WAZ=0.003;χ²_HAZ=6.014,P_HAZ=0.014;χ²_WHZ=9.276,P_WHZ=0.002)。结论 绵阳地区属于VA轻度缺乏地区,但半数以上婴幼儿有VAD患病风险,VA缺乏及不足儿童易导致贫血及体格生长落后,需积极制定防控措施。     

Multilevel Analysis of the Nutritional and Health Status among Children and Adolescents in Eastern China

We aimed to identify multiple nutritional health problems and the relevant factors among children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. This study was part of the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016–2017, conducted in Jiangsu Province in eastern China. After sampling, 3025 school-age children and adolescents were enrolled into this study. Demographic information collections and anthropometric measurements were conducted by trained local Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff. Venous blood in the amount of 6 mL was drawn from each participant in the morning and used for testing biochemical and nutritional indicators. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Poisson regression analysis were used for overnutrition- and undernutrition-related disorders to test relevant personal, parental, and household factors. The prevalence of wasting, overweight, and obesity was 5.5%, 14.8%, and 12.7%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was prevalent among 5.1% of participants. Among the study participants, 29.5% had hyperuricemia. The overall prevalence of high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high total cholesterol (TC) of all participants was 4.8% and 7.4%, respectively. 0.9% of the participants had vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and 14.6% had marginal vitamin A deficiency; 25.1% had vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and 54.5% had inadequate vitamin D levels. Anemia was present in 4.0% of all participants. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 4.8%. Demographic characteristics, behavioral characteristics, parents’ characteristics, and family characteristics were associated with these multiple malnutrition disorders. The double burdens of malnutrition, which includes overnutrition- and undernutrition-related diseases, were prevalent among the school-age children and adolescents in Jiangsu Province in eastern China. There were various factors related to different nutritional problems. Thus, health education focusing on behavior intervention and nutrition education are necessary in containing nutritional problems among children.     

安徽某农村地区小学生社交焦虑及其影响因素

目的了解农村地区小学生社交焦虑状况及其影响因素,为采取相应的干预措施提供依据。方法整群抽取安徽省无为县2所农村小学三~六年级小学生884名(男472名,女412名),采用儿童社交焦虑量表和自编调查表进行问卷调查。结果小学生社交焦虑的总检出率为14.7%,男、女生分别为12.9%,16.7%;随着年级的增长,发生率呈下降趋势。单因素分析显示,有统计学意义的社交焦虑影响因素有年级、健康状况、零花钱、学习困难程度、父亲教育方式、其他家人教育方式、是否为留守儿童、教师教育方式。儿童社交焦虑影响因素的多元Logistic回归分析表明,影响儿童社交焦虑的因素有性别、零花钱、学习困难程度、是否为留守儿童、教师教育方式、其他家人教育方式。结论农村地区儿童存在较严重的社交焦虑问题,社会、学校和家庭应给予相应教育和正确的引导。     

江苏省0~5岁儿童维生素D营养状况研究

目的 了解江苏省0~5岁儿童维生素D营养状况,分析年龄、性别、出生情况、地区、季节和户籍的儿童维生素D营养状况。方法 本研究首次进行了多中心大样本的抽样调查,于2014年4月-2015年3月采用分层整群随机抽样方法从江苏省的10个城市招募0~5岁的儿童。采用自行设计的问卷调查儿童一般健康状况,采用酶联免疫法检测血清25-羟维生素D[(25-(OH)D)]含量。结果 本次研究共调查5 289名儿童。0~5岁儿童维生素D缺乏率为30.1%,不足率为35.5%。0~、12~、24~、36~、48~、60~<72月龄儿童维生素D缺乏率分别为23.0%,21.3%、27.8%、32.4%、37.9%、39.7%;维生素D不足率分别为26.9%、34.4%、36.5%、38.6%、39.6%、38.4%。0~5岁儿童25-(OH)D平均水平M(P₂₅~ P₇₅)为64.0 (46.3~83.0) nmol/ml。女童维生素D缺乏率(32.1% )显著高于男童(28.3%)(Z＝8.709,P=0.003),女童25-(OH)D平均水平(62.7 nmol/ml)显著低于男童(65.1 nmol/ml)(Z＝9.453,P＝0.002)。2~5岁儿童、女童,第一胎,第一产,在春冬季调查,在苏南地区、苏中地区和苏北地区的儿童患维生素D缺乏的风险增加(P<0.05)。结论 江苏省0~5岁儿童普遍处于维生素D缺乏状态,尤其学龄前儿童是防治维生素D缺乏关键人群。维生素D状况与年龄、性别、胎次、产次、出生体重、季节、城乡户籍和地区相关,与胎龄、分娩方式无关。     

江苏省0~5岁儿童维生素D营养状况研究

目的 了解江苏省0~5岁儿童维生素D营养状况,分析年龄、性别、出生情况、地区、季节和户籍的儿童维生素D营养状况。方法 本研究首次进行了多中心大样本的抽样调查,于2014年4月-2015年3月采用分层整群随机抽样方法从江苏省的10个城市招募0~5岁的儿童。采用自行设计的问卷调查儿童一般健康状况,采用酶联免疫法检测血清25-羟维生素D[(25-(OH)D)]含量。结果 本次研究共调查5 289名儿童。0~5岁儿童维生素D缺乏率为30.1%,不足率为35.5%。0~、12~、24~、36~、48~、60~<72月龄儿童维生素D缺乏率分别为23.0%,21.3%、27.8%、32.4%、37.9%、39.7%;维生素D不足率分别为26.9%、34.4%、36.5%、38.6%、39.6%、38.4%。0~5岁儿童25-(OH)D平均水平M(P₂₅~ P₇₅)为64.0 (46.3~83.0) nmol/ml。女童维生素D缺乏率(32.1% )显著高于男童(28.3%)(Z＝8.709,P=0.003),女童25-(OH)D平均水平(62.7 nmol/ml)显著低于男童(65.1 nmol/ml)(Z＝9.453,P＝0.002)。2~5岁儿童、女童,第一胎,第一产,在春冬季调查,在苏南地区、苏中地区和苏北地区的儿童患维生素D缺乏的风险增加(P<0.05)。结论 江苏省0~5岁儿童普遍处于维生素D缺乏状态,尤其学龄前儿童是防治维生素D缺乏关键人群。维生素D状况与年龄、性别、胎次、产次、出生体重、季节、城乡户籍和地区相关,与胎龄、分娩方式无关。     

The female child -- a picture of denials and deprivations

Ample evidence is available on the neglect and deprivation of the female child in India. 1986 government statistics showed that the sex ratio was 933 women for every 1000 men. Sex ratios were even lower in northern states. Female mortality was given as the reason for the differences. A study of hospitals and nursing homes during 1987-88 in Ludhiana, Punjab state, found that the sex ratio at birth was 105 males to 100 females. Pooled hospital data showed ratios to be 105 males per 100 females in 1981 and 122 males per 100 females in 1988. In rural communities, the ratio ranged from 101 males per 100 females in 1983 to 122 males per 100 females in 1988. The increased sex ratio differences were attributed to increased sex-selective feticide. A report from Bombay indicated that 7999 out of 8000 aborted fetuses were female. The preference for a male child has been manifested in not only female feticide but also shorter birth intervals after a female birth, adoption of a permanent family planning method after the birth of a son or sons, allocation of health care favoring males, higher malnutrition among females, higher female illiteracy, and diminished female status. The study by Benjamin et al. of 374 female acceptors of tubal ligation found that no one was without at least one male child: 10.1% had one male child and 89.1% had two or male children. Sachar et al. found that, among 623 couples adopting a permanent method of contraception, 18.4% had one male child and 81.6% had two or more male children in 1990, 6 years later than the aforementioned study. The Punjab has experienced rapid socioeconomic development at the same time as unchanged greater prevalence of female malnutrition. Sachar et al. also found that breast feeding of female children was of shorter duration. Literacy in 1981 was reported in the census as 52.3 females per 100 males. The employment ratio was 14.81 females per 100 males, and the school enrollment ratio was 60.4 females per 100 males. Programs that remove gender inequality and changes in attitudes toward women must occur for the sex ratio to become more balanced.     

Pattern of vitamin deficiencies among the malnourished preschool children in ICDS blocks of Jaipur city

In India, researchers compared data on 1000 malnourished preschool children from ICDS blocks of Jaipur slums with data on 5000 well-nourished preschool children attending well-baby clinics of Zenana Hospital and Mahila Chikitsalya and from kindergarten classes of 2 public schools of Jaipur. They aimed to compare the prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among the 2 groups of children. The well-nourished children had a much lower prevalence of vitamin deficiencies than the malnourished children: vitamin A deficiency = 1.8% vs. 15.7%, vitamin B = 0.4% vs. 7.6%, vitamin D deficiency = 2% vs. 11.9%, and vitamin C deficiency = 0 vs. 1.1%. Sex did not affect vitamin deficiency status. Vitamin D deficiency manifests itself in severe malnutrition only when dietary improvement causes a growth spurt.     

Prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in the Diourbel, Fatick, and Kaolack regions of Senegal: epidemiological study

The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM), ocular diseases, and vitamin A deficiency in preschool children selected at random in a rural zone of the groundnut belt of Senegal. The prevalence of PCM was 37.1% (95% CI 33.8-40.2%) according to the Waterlow classification, with a majority of stunting, and prevalence of hypovitaminosis A was estimated to be 11.4% (95% CI 9.3-13.5%) by using impression cytology. Furthermore, 19.4% (95% CI 15.8-22.0%) of the children might be defined at risk of deficiency. The prevalence of Bitot's spots was equal to 0.2% (95% CI 0.03-0.9%). A problem of PCM associated with a health-endangering vitamin A deficiency existed.     

Subclinical vitamin A deficiency in Israeli-Bedouin toddlers

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of and evaluate risk factors for subclinical vitamin A deficiency in Arab-Bedouin children at age 18 months, followed from birth. DESIGN: Community-based, prospective, cohort study conducted in Rahat, a large Arab-Bedouin township, located near the city of Beer Sheva in the Negev region of southern Israel. SUBJECTS: Healthy Bedouin infants (n=117) from the township, born at Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) in Beer Sheva, were randomly recruited at birth. Enrollment was restricted to well infants born weighing >2500 g at birth. RESULTS: More than 15% of the children had serum retinol concentrations below 0.7 micromol/l. Male sex (odds ratio (OR) 4.17 [1.14-15.32], P=0.031), stunting at age 12 months (OR 10.09 [2.00-50.97], P=0.05) and warm season at age 18 months (OR 6.20 [1.36-28.28], P=0.018) were associated with vitamin A deficiency. Maternal education decreased the risk of vitamin A deficiency (OR 0.81 [0.68-0.95], P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Study results indicate a significant vitamin A deficiency problem among Bedouin children. Deficiency may be prevented by increasing dietary intake of vitamin A, especially during the warm season. Other interventions include preventing and controlling diarrheal diseases in order to avert nutritional stunting, and providing nutritional education to women of childbearing age. SPONSORSHIP: This study received financial support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (AI-26497), the US-Israel Bi-national Science Foundation (BSF 90-00257), and the National Academy of Sciences/Institute of Medicine (AID/ANE 0158-G-SS-9035-00).