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Prevalence of vitamin A, zinc deficiency and anemia among school children 6‐9 years old who are participants in the governmental “school breakfast program” (Programa de Desayunos Escolares) in northwestern Mexico (624.28)

The coexistence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies are increasingly recognized as a pervasive public health problem in developing countries. These deficiencies have a significant negative impact on people’s health. In Mexico, a high prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency, as well as iron and zinc deficiency, have been reported. The latter has been particularly deleterious for Mexican children. Objective. To evaluate the biochemical status of vitamin A, zinc and anemia in school children participating in the school breakfast program in northwest Mexico. Subjects and Methods. Two hundred and eighteen children were clinically evaluated. We conducted a cross sectional study and were series of measurements of the levels of serum retinol, serum zinc and hemoglobin. Results. 37% of children had low levels of serum retinol; as 35% had vitamin A deficiency (DVA,>0.35‐<0.7µmol/L), and 2% presented severe deficiency (<0.35µmol/L). However, zinc deficiency was not found. Anemia was detected (Hb <11.5g/dL) in 7% of children. Conclusions. Vitamin A deficiency and anemia is a public health problem in northwest Mexico.