ABSTRACT

The study determined the severity and prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiency of iron, zinc and iodine among children aged 9-1 6ycars in Umuahia and Ohafia areas of Abia Statc in south Eastern Nigerian. 'l'wo hundred subjects were drawn from volunteers in the two location 1-lundred subjects were drawn from Ohafia (52 subjccts Ironi Amactiti Primary school and 48 subjects from Coronate Sccondary School, Asaga Oliauia). Hundred subjects were drawn from Umuahia (42 from Model Primary School and 58 from Ibeku I-ugh School). Plasma iron and zinc concentration were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method while plasma iodine concentration was determined using titrimetric method. Age, Sex, residence, socioeconomic status of parents, life style, nutritional status, stage of puberty, health status and pregnancy status were obtained using standard questionnaire. Weight and height of subjects were taken using standard measuring instruments. Our results show that subjects in Umuahia (males and females) had significantly higher body weights than their counter parts in Ohafia of the same ages. Mean differences in height between subjects in the two localities were not signilicant!y dif6..rent. Females in Ohafia (suburban) had significantly higher plasma iron concentration (2.lomg/di) than their counterparts in Umuahia (urban) at ages 9-14 years (1.l5mg/dl) Mean plasma iron concentration was higher in suburban males (0.87+ 0.5mg/dl) than in their urban counterparts (0.58 + 0.24mg/dl). Plasma zinc concentration was significantly (P 0.05) higher in suburban females aged 15-l6years (2.50mg/di) than in urban females (0.4lmg/di), but in males in suburban locality it was significantly lower (0.96mg/dl) than in males in the urban locality (Umuahia) (I .2Omg/di). Mean plasma iodine concentration was significantly higher in Urban males and females than in the suburban dwellers. The significance of these findings in relation to micronutrient status and nutrition counsel in children and adolescents aged 9-16 arc discussed. These findings indicate that children aged 9-16 years in urban may be at higher risk of deficiency of zinc and iron than their suburban counterparts, while their suburban counter parts (Ohafia) may be at higher risk of iodine deficiency.