A high prevalence of zinc- but not iron-deficiency among women in rural Malawi: a cross-sectional study
| Authors | Siyame, E.W.P.; Hurst, R.; Wawer, A.A.; Young, S.D.; Broadley, M.R.; Chilimba, A.D.C.; Ander, L.E.; Watts, M.J.; Chilima, B.; Gondwe, J.; Kang'ombe, D.; Kalimbira, A.; Fairweather-Tait, S.J.; Bailey, K.B.; Gibson, R.S. |
|---|---|
| Year of Publication | 2013 |
| Type of Publication | Journal Article |
| Journal | International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research |
| Volume | 83 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 176-187 |
| Open Access | Yes |
Abstract
Background: Zinc deficiency is often associated with nutritional iron deficiency (ID), and may be exacerbated by low selenium status.
Aim: To investigate risk of iron and zinc deficiency in women with contrasting selenium status.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 1-day diet composites and blood samples were collected from self-selected Malawian women aged 18-50 years from low- (Zombwe) (n=60) and high-plant-available soil selenium (Mikalango) (n=60) districts. Diets were analyzed for trace elements and blood for biomarkers.
Results: Zinc deficiency (>90 %) was greater than ID anemia (6 %), or ID (5 %), attributed to diets low in zinc (median 5.7 mg/day) with high phytate:zinc molar ratios (20.0), but high in iron (21.0 mg/day) from soil contaminant iron. Zombwe compared to Mikalango women had lower (p<0.05) intakes of selenium (6.5 vs. 55.3 mu g/day), zinc (4.8 vs. 6.4 mg/day), iron (16.6 vs. 29.6 mg/day), lower plasma selenium (0.72 vs. 1.60 mu mol/L), and higher body iron (5.3 vs. 3.8 mg/kg), although plasma zinc was similar (8.60 vs. 8.87 mu mol/L). Body iron and plasma zinc were positive determinants of hemoglobin.
Conclusion: Risk of zinc deficiency was higher than ID and was shown not to be associated with selenium status. Plasma zinc was almost as important as body iron as a hemoglobin determinant.
