Micronutrient deficiency status among women of desert areas of western Rajasthan, India

Objective: To assess the magnitude of three micronutrient deficiency disorders (iron, vitamin A and iodine), nutritional deficiencies and their association with related factors. Material and Methods: Using the three-stage sampling technique, a study was conducted in twenty-eight villages of Jodhpur district. A total of 1193 women, 384 pregnant, 400 lactating and 409 non-pregnant non-lactating controls (15 years and above, women who have not attained their family status) were examined for three micronutrient deficiency disorders, nutritional deficiencies, dietary and associated factors. Results: Majority of the women were anaemic. Anaemia was higher among pregnant and lactating women (80.7%). Severe anaemia was three-fold higher among pregnant and lactating women in comparison to controls (4.1%). Vitamin A deficiency was observed to be higher among pregnant women (8.8%). A high proportion of women (80.8%) consumed salt, having inadequate iodine content. Median urinary iodine values were less in pregnant and lactating women than the WHO cut-off points. Consumption of pulses and legumes was low besides leafy vegetables. Average intake of nutrients showed deficiency of protein and energy, iron and folic acid and vitamin A deficiency. Anaemia and iodine deficiency disorder were found to be inversely proportional to education and income. Conclusions: The proportion of anaemia in this study was higher in comparison to national-level studies besides the low consumption of normal iodised salt. Only 19% of salt samples had adequate iodine content, which calls for caution. In addition to iodisation of salt, the study suggests the development of nutritional packages utilising local dietary aspects.