Micronutrients & recovery
Women of reproductive age and pregnant women in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa exhibit high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate, zinc) and inadequate dietary intakes, with pregnant women facing higher risks than non-pregnant women.
Public health programs in these regions must prioritize screening and intervention for iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate, and zinc, particularly for pregnant women who are at significantly higher risk. Interventions should include dietary diversification, fortification, and supplementation, as current intakes are largely inadequate.
In WRA, WAVG prevalence of anaemia ranged from 18–51%, iron deficiency 9–18%, and iron deficiency anaemia at 10%. In PW, the prevalence was higher, and ranged from 32–62%, 19–61%, and 9–47%, respectively.
Why this rating
Systematic review of 65 studies/papers with large sample sizes, though heterogeneity exists.
Source
Micronutrient Status and Dietary Intake of Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, Folate and Zinc in Women of Reproductive Age and Pregnant Women in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: A Systematic Review of Data from 2005 to 2015
Rajwinder K. Harika et al. · Nutrients · 2017
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