Abstract

Objective: Iron, zinc and vitamin A are important micronutrients for public health. These three micronutrients have effects on cell division and differentiation, immunity, bone development, visual functions, intelligence and comprehension, and maternal and infant mortality. The purpose of this study was evaluate the prevalence of deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin A in healthy children and determine the relationship between the deficiencies.

Material and Methods: Values of serum iron, zinc and vitamin A and complete blood counts were analyzed in 334 healthy children between 6-14 years of age, including 174 girls and 160 boys, who applied to Bülent Ecevit Medical Faculty, Pediatric Outpatient Clinic.

Results: The  prevalence  of  iron  deficiency  was  49.7%, the  prevalence  of  zinc  deficiency  was  18.9%,  and  the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 14.7%. There was no statistically meaningful correlation between serum iron, zinc and vitamin A levels. There was no statistically significant difference in children with presence or absence of iron deficiency as regards zinc deficiency or vitamin A deficiency. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to deficiencies of iron or vitamin A between girls and boys. The rate of deficiency of zinc was found to be 23.6% (n=41) in girls and 13.8% (n=22) in boys which was statistically significant (p=0.022).

Conclusion: As a result of this study,  deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin A were observed although the children were healthy. The rate of iron deficiency was especially high despite programs to reduce it.

Keywords: Vitamin A, Zinc,Iron

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How to cite

1.
Örnek Z. Assessment of the Prevalence of Iron, Zinc and Vitamin A Deficiency among School-Aged Children. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2019 May 24 [cited 2025 Aug. 23];13(3):154-9. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/606