Marina Visser1, Tertia Van Zyl2, Susanna M Hanekom2, Jeannine Baumgartner2, Marinka van der Hoeven3, Christine Taljaard-Krugell2, Cornelius M Smuts2, Mieke Faber4. 1. Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, South Africa. Electronic address: 21863660@nwu.ac.za. 2. Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, South Africa. 3. Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, South Africa; Infectious Disease and Public Health, Vrije University, The Netherlands. 4. Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, South Africa; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess nutrient patterns and their relation to anemia and iron status of school children using pooled data from three study populations in South Africa. METHODS: Data from 5- to 12-y-old children (N = 578) from three independent studies conducted in two provinces in South Africa were pooled. Data used in the analysis were dietary intake, hemoglobin, and plasma ferritin concentrations. Nutrient patterns were determined using factor analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine relationships of nutrient patterns with anemia and iron deficiency. RESULTS: In the pooled group, 13.8% of the children were anemic and 27.7% were iron deficient (ID). More than half of children did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for various nutrients, including vitamins A, C, B12, folate, and zinc, although only 17.7% of children had an iron intake below the requirements. Median intakes for vitamins A and C were lower for anemic than non-anemic children (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively) and for ID versus non-ID children (P = 0.03 and 0.046, respectively). Four nutrient patterns were identified: plant protein, carbohydrate, iron, and B vitamins; animal protein and saturated fat; vitamins A and B12; and calcium and fiber. The vitamin A and B12 nutrient pattern was associated with lower odds of being anemic (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.91; P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The present results highlighted the potential role of the combination of dietary vitamin A and B12 in the etiology of nutritional anemia in school-age children in South Africa. Nutrient pattern analysis may improve the understanding of the synergistic role of nutrients related to anemia and may assist in planning intervention strategies.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess nutrient patterns and their relation to anemia and iron status of school children using pooled data from three study populations in South Africa. METHODS: Data from 5- to 12-y-old children (N = 578) from three independent studies conducted in two provinces in South Africa were pooled. Data used in the analysis were dietary intake, hemoglobin, and plasma ferritin concentrations. Nutrient patterns were determined using factor analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine relationships of nutrient patterns with anemia and iron deficiency. RESULTS: In the pooled group, 13.8% of the children were anemic and 27.7% were iron deficient (ID). More than half of children did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for various nutrients, including vitamins A, C, B12, folate, and zinc, although only 17.7% of children had an iron intake below the requirements. Median intakes for vitamins A and C were lower for anemic than non-anemicchildren (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively) and for ID versus non-IDchildren (P = 0.03 and 0.046, respectively). Four nutrient patterns were identified: plant protein, carbohydrate, iron, and B vitamins; animal protein and saturated fat; vitamins A and B12; and calcium and fiber. The vitamin A and B12 nutrient pattern was associated with lower odds of being anemic (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.91; P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The present results highlighted the potential role of the combination of dietary vitamin A and B12 in the etiology of nutritional anemia in school-age children in South Africa. Nutrient pattern analysis may improve the understanding of the synergistic role of nutrients related to anemia and may assist in planning intervention strategies.
Authors: Sonia Malczyk; Nelia P Steyn; Johanna H Nel; Gabriel Eksteen; Linda Drummond; Wilna Oldewage-Theron; Mieke Faber; Martha E van Stuijvenberg; Marjanne Senekal Journal: Nutrients Date: 2021-12-21 Impact factor: 5.717
Authors: Tshifhiwa Ratshikombo; Julia H Goedecke; Melikhaya Soboyisi; Clement Kufe; Caroline B T Makura-Kankwende; Maphoko Masemola; Lisa K Micklesfield; Tinashe Chikowore Journal: Nutrients Date: 2021-12-20 Impact factor: 5.717