Abstract
Background
Zinc deficiency is one of the most preva- lent micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries, including Iran. The main direct causes of zinc deficiency are insufficient zinc intake, absorption or metabolic disorder, and increase in need during acute growth periods.
Objective
To determine the prevalence of zinc defi- ciency in preschool boys and girls in urban and rural populations in order to assist policy makers. Children of preschool age (i. e., 6 years old in Iran) were studied because interventions in this age group are believed to result in greater improvement in learning skills once these children enter school.
Methods
A national cross-sectional study was carried out on 4,374 randomly selected healthy preschool children from Iranian families in 2001. Serum zinc concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The cutoff point for zinc deficiency was set at a serum level of 10 μmol/L (65 μg/dL).
Results
The prevalence of zinc deficiency was esti- mated at approximately 19.3%. The highest preva- lence was seen in the region that includes Sistan and Baluchistan, South Khorasan, and the southeast area of Kerman and the lowest in the region of Boushehr, Hor- mozgan, and South Khoozestan. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas. No significant difference in prevalence was seen between boys and girls.
Conclusions
In the long run, nutritional security and increased access to and intake of foods with high levels of zinc are the most sustainable strategies to overcome zinc deficiency. Fortification of staple foods, improved qual- ity of traditional bread, and supplementation for at-risk population groups are considered short- and mid-term nterventions. Nutrition education and behavioral change may be long-term strategies.