Vitamin A, Iron and Iodine Status of Under Five Children in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiency has been considered as a major risk factor for child survival in Nigeria, it increases the risk of death from common diseases that affects children.         

Objective: The study assessed the vitamin A, iron and iodine status of children in Kaduna state.
Methods: The study was a cross sectional descriptive survey research. Children aged 6-59 months (84 subjects) were selected using a multi- stage sampling technique. Five milliliters of blood were collected for analysis of serum retinol and hemoglobin determination. Urinary Iodine Excretion (UIE) was based on the iodine concentration in urine samples. Vitamin A as serum retinol was determined using Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Hemoglobin concentration was determined using Atomic absorption spectrometry while the UIE level was analyzed using wet digestion method.
Results: Anaemia was more common with female (35.1%) in the study area compared to male (18.93%) with various haemoglobin level. Children aged 25 – 36 months were the most deficient in anaemia (16.66%). Urinary iodine deficiency (mild) affected more female (13.09%) than male (10.7%). Children aged 13 – 24 months (10.71%) were the most affected age group on mild iodine deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency affected more male (2.38%) than female (1.19%) and the deficiency of vitamin A was found in ages 25 – 36 months only (2.38%).
Conclusion: Vitamin A, iron and iodine deficiencies were mostly observed in children between two to three years in the study area. Female children were affected most. Routine screening of children, timely supplementation and intervention will reduce deficiencies in the local government areas and communities affected in the state.