Applied nutritional investigationPrevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies among preschool children ages 3 to 5Â y in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa

- This study examined the prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies in preschool children, which is among the most vulnerable groups.
- Stunting and overweight and obesity accompanied the presence of iron and zinc deficiencies.
- The study showed that these children might be experiencing problem of over- or undernutrition, which are accompanied by hidden hunger, as indicated by the micronutrient deficiencies.
- The children also had anemia, which might effect cognitive development especially when accompanied by iron deficiency.

ObjectivesChildren under the age of 5 y constitute the most vulnerable group for iron and zinc deficiencies and their nutritional status is a sensitive indicator of community health and nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of zinc and iron deficiency among preschool children aged 3 to 5 y in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa.MethodsThis study included 349 preschool children recruited from two municipalities of Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Municipalities were purposively selected and simple random sampling was used to choose children. Body weight and height were measured using standard techniques. Serum zinc, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, transferrin and C-reactive protein levels were also assessed, as were hemoglobin levels.ResultsThe prevalence of wasting, stunting, and underweight was 1.4%, 18.6%, and 0.3%, respectively; whereas 20.9% of the children were overweight and 9.7% were obese. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 42.6% and anemia was 28%; both were higher in girls than in boys. When using serum ferritin and transferrin saturation 7 (2%) of the children had iron-deficiency anemia. Combined iron and zinc deficiencies using ferritin was found in 8 (2.3%) of the children; when using transferrin saturation these deficiencies were found in 42 (12%) of the children.ConclusionsIron and zinc deficiencies as well as anemia, accompanied by high prevalence of stunting; and overweight and obesity, were common in preschool children. The results observed here call for interventions to combat the escalating problem of child malnutrition in the form of nutritional education for mothers and food handlers at preschools to ensure food diversification in these children.