Volume : IV, Issue : II, February - 2015

MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AND CHILD GROWTH

G. Sireesha, Prof D. L. Kusuma

Abstract :

Introduction: Growth retardation is highly prevalent in developing countries and is associated with several adverse outcomes throughout life. However, the role of specific micronutrient deficiencies in the etiology of growth retardation has gained attention more recently. Rationale: To correct the situation of malnutrition among children several intervention programmes are in operation. The assessment of nutritional status of beneficiaries of such interventions in general, and that of micronutrient status in particular has great significance as a feedback. Materials and Methods: The prevalence of undernutrition at dietary, anthropometric and biochemical levels was investigated in a cross sectional study involving 776 school going children aged from 8 to 10 years in Tirupati (A.P). All the children were beneficiaries of the Mid Day Meal (MDM) program. Height, weight and MUAC were measured. Waterlow classification was used to categorize children into different nutritional grades to focus on the growth status. Dietary intakes were assessed using a combination of recall and weighment methods. The serum level of micronutrients vit–A, Iron and Zinc was estimated through standard protocols. Results: The data on anthropometry reveal that a highest percentage of children 31.5 and 36.1 were stunted (S) and stunted and wasted (SW) respectively. About 26.4 percent children were normal (N). ANOVA was conducted for the nutrient intakes and biochemical micronutrient status of children in the three nutritional grades reveled that the differences were signifant (p<0.001) and the normal group registered better values for all parameters compared with the S and SW groups. Conclusion : The general low and inadequate food intake may be the contributing factor for poor growth statusmand poor biochemical profile of the select micronutrients among this group of children. Further, it is thus evident that the intended nutritional benefits of the intervention, the MDM programme are not fully reaching the target group

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Article: Download PDF    DOI : https://www.doi.org/10.36106/gjra  

Cite This Article:

G.Sireesha, Prof D.L. Kusuma MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AND CHILD GROWTH Global Journal For Research Analysis, Vol: 4, Issue: 2 February 2015

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