The prevalence of, and factors associated with, single and multiple micronutrient deficiencies amongst children 12 – 35 months in Colombia

Micronutrient deficiencies are common worldwide. Data from the 2005 Colombian National Nutrition Survey (ENSIN) were used to investigate the prevalence of anemia, and of iron, vitamin A and zinc deficiencies, both single and concurrent in 12–35 mo children (n=2740). Socio‐demographic and dietary factors associated with these deficiencies were also explored. The prevalence of anemia amongst children 12–23 mo was high at 53.2%. 29.5% of children in this age group had iron‐deficiency anemia, 25.5% had low serum ferritin and 30.2% low serum zinc. Amongst children 24–35 mo, 33.0% had anemia, 11.7% iron‐deficiency anemia and 24.6% low serum zinc. Vitamin A deficiency levels were low (<7%) for both age groups with the exception of the Atlántica region where it was 14.6% (12–35 mo). Multiple micronutrient deficiencies were low. 46.7% of children 12 – 23 mo, and 60.9% of children 24–35 mo had no micronutrient deficiencies. 12.2% of children 12–23 mo had 2 or more deficiencies, with this number dropping to 5.4% amongst children 24–35 mo. For all deficiencies, children 12–23 mo were more vulnerable. A strong association with region was seen for anemia, concurrent micronutrient deficiencies, vitamin A and zinc deficiencies, with children in Atlántica at highest risk. Future interventions to address these nutritional problems should be regionally targeted at children aged 12–23 mo. Funding: Nestle UK; D. Burkitt Study Awards.