Micronutrient status differs among Maasai and Kamba preschoolers in a supplementary feeding programme in Kenya

Bibliographic Data

ID15535474
AuthorsLisa A Houghton (0000-0002-2276-6205, University of Otago, corresponding author), Rachel C Brown (0000-0001-6951-7073, University of Otago), Sarah Beaumont (University of Otago), Shona Jennings (ChildFund New Zealand Auckland New Zealand), Karl B Bailey (University of Otago), Jillian J Haszard (0000-0001-6312-7795, University of Otago), Juergen Erhardt (0000-0001-7765-3235, VitMin Lab Willstaett Germany), Lisa Daniels (0000-0001-8552-0002, University of Otago), Rosalind S Gibson (0000-0002-1738-7593, University of Otago)
Year2019
Volume15
Issue3
Pagese12805-e12805
Publication date2019-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.12805
PMID30822819
OpenAlexW2918959498
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited42

Since 2001, ChildFund Kenya has supplied micronutrient fortified school meals to preschoolers from two tribes (Kamba and Maasai) attending early childhood development (ECD) centres in Emali, S.E. Kenya. Lack of information on the micronutrient status of the preschoolers prompted a cross-sectional assessment of micronutrient (iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D) status and prevalence of deficiencies among the two tribes. Data on sociodemographic, health, anthropometric status, and micronutrient supply from preschool meals were collected from 287 Kamba and 213 Maasai children aged 3 to 5 years attending 23 ECD centres. Nonfasting blood samples were collected for haemoglobin and plasma biomarkers of iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D, C-reactive protein (CRP), α 1 -acid glycoprotein, and immunoglobin G. The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher in Maasai children than Kamba (38%, 95% CI [31%, 45%], vs. 5%, [3%, 9%]), as well as iron deficiency and its various stages (P 0.05). Body iron, CRP, and age were significant predictors of haemoglobin concentrations for both tribes (all P < 0.006) and plasma 25-OHD for Maasai children only. The higher prevalence of iron deficiency among Maasai than Kamba children was possibly attributed to the high consumption of cow's milk (low in bioavailable iron) in place of micronutrient fortified meals together with a higher prevalence of chronic inflammation and intestinal damage

Anthropometry · Environmental health · Geography · Maasai · Micronutrient · Micronutrient deficiency · Pathology · Tanzania · Vitamin · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Iron Metabolism and Disorders · Medicine · Trace Elements in Health · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Physiology

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