Plasma Iron, Zinc And Iodine Concentrations In Subjects Aged Nine To Sixteen Years In Abia State, Nigeria:- Akpan, Christiana U

ABSTRACT The study determined the severity and prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiency of iron, zinc and iodine among children aged 9-16years in Umuahia and Ohafia areas of Abia State in south Eastern Nigerian. Two hundred subjects were drawn from volunteers in the two location Hundred subjects were drawn from Ohafia (52 subjects from Amaetiti Primary school and 48 subjects from Coronate Secondary School, Asaga Ohafia). Hundred subjects were drawn from Umuahia (42 from Model Primary School and 58 from Ibeku High 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 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 ofthe same ages. Mean differences in height between subjects in the two localities were not significantly different. Females in Ohafia (suburban) had significantly higher plasma iron concentration (2.10mg/dl) than their counterparts in Umuahia (urban) at ages 9-14 years (1.15mg/dl) 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 15-16years (2.50mg/dl) than in urban females (0.41mg/dl), but in males in suburban locality it was significantly lower (0.96mg/dl) than in males in the urban locality (Umuahia) (1.20mg/dl). Mean plasma iodine concentration dwellers. The significance ofthese findings in relation to micronutrient status and nutrition counsel in children and adolescents aged 9-16 are 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, deficiency