PREVALENCE OF IODINE AND IRON MALNUTRITION AMONG RURAL SCHOOL CHILDREN OF GUJARAT, INDIA

ABSTRACT: Background-Iodine and iron deficiencies are responsible for reversible brain damage, mental retardation, stunted growth, development and low immunity in school children. The consequences are more severe when encompassed by malnutrition. Higher enormity of all may worsen the situation. Objective- To determine the magnitude of micronutrient malnutrition in rural school children of Gujarat, India Methods- 947 children, enrolled from 4 schools. Anthropometric measurements, urinary iodine excretion and haemoglobin were assessed. Results- Malnutrition was highly prevalent with 70 % of children being underweight, 55 % children suffered stunting and 45% had lower BMI, using WHO 2007 and CDC 2000. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 99% where as iodine deficiency disorders was 30%. Mean haemoglobin level was 9.17 ± 1.22 g/dl and median urinary iodine excretion was 145.91µg/l. Adequately iodized salt was consumed by 82.4% population. Though majority of the subjects are consuming iodized salt, the prevalence of iodine deficiency is higher. Conclusion- Hence, there is a need to ensure best usage and storage practices for iodized salt. There is an interrelationship between stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. Children are in a transition phase of malnutrition; hence, there is a need to strengthen school meal program, health program and thorough awareness campaigning is required from ground level to the beneficiaries. There is a need to introduce a common vehicle for all; like double fortified salt; to address both the micronutrient deficiencies along with improving upon nutritional status.