Co-existence of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and growth retardation among children 24-84 months old in Maracaibo, Venezuela

Iron deficiency anemia has been associated with alterations in child development and psychomotor function, being myelination and dopaminergic functioning especially vulnerable. Iron deficiency, at different ages, has different reversible and irreversible effects on CNS. Anemia has also been related to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and growth retardation. The aim of the present paper was to determine the coexistence of micronutrient deficiency, iron and vitamin A, and macronutrient deficiency (growth retardation). The sample consisted of 202 Venezuelan children, aged 24-84 month old, (104 girls, 98 boys); Anemia, VAD and growth retardation was evaluated by means of blood hemoglobin concentration analysis, HPLC serum retinol (values <20 mug/dl reveal VAD) and height/age and weight/age Z scores (less than or equal to - 2 SD express stunting and underweight). Prevalence of anemia was 38.11%; VAD, 21.78%; stunting, 14.36% and underweight, 9.40%. Anemia and VAD clustered in 7.92%; anemia + stunting or + underweight coexisted in 5.94% and 2.97%, respectively. Stunting and underweight clustered with VAD in 2.97% and 1.48%. The three-way combination with anemia was only seen with stunting in 0.99% of the sample. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies remain as significant public health problems which should be simultaneously treated as virtually independent, giving priority to infant, toddler and preschool age groups.