The Prevalence of, and Factors Associated with Single and Multiple Deficiencies of Iron, Vitamin A and Zinc amongst Children Aged 12 – 35 Months in Colombia

Abstract

Objectives: Few national nutrition surveys have assessed the prevalence of single and multiple micronutrient deficiencies among young children, despite their potential negative impact on child health, growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiency among Colombian children aged 12 – 35 mo, and to explore associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: Data from the 2005 Colombian National Nutrition Survey (ENSIN) were used to investigate the prevalence of single and concurrent low biochemical status for iron (plasma ferritin <12.0 mg/L), zinc (serum zinc < 9.2 µmol/L), and vitamin A (serum retinol < 20 µg/dL) (n=2740). Logistic regression was performed to investigate socio-demographic factors associated with single and multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Results: The prevalence of single micronutrient deficiencies amongst 12 – 23 and 24 - 35 mo children, respectively, were 26.4% (95% CI 23.8%, 29.4%) and 16.7% (95% CI 14.4%, 19.1%) for low serum ferritin, 30.2% (95% CI 28.7%, 31.7%) and 24.6% (95% CI 23.2%, 26.0%) for low serum zinc and 6.7% (95% CI 5.9%, 7.5%) and 5.4% (95% CI 4.7%, 6.1%) for low serum retinol. Overall, 12.2% (95% CI 11.3%, 13.1%) of children aged 12 – 23 mo and 5.4% (95% CI 4.8%, 6.0%) of children aged 24 – 35 mo had 2 or more deficient biomarkers. Factors significantly associated with single or multiple deficiencies were age-group (12 – 23 mo > 24 - 35 mo) and region, with children in Atlántica being at highest risk. Conclusions: Future interventions should regionally target children aged 12 – 23 mo.