Impact of Food Intake on Nutritional Status, Serum Calcium and Serum Iron of Children from 0 to 5 Years in Abidjan

Abstract

The aim of this study is to contribute to improve the nutritional status of children under 5 years old in six districts of the city of Abidjan (Abobo, Koumassi, Yopougon, Treichville, Marcory and Cocody). This study was conducted on a cohort of 480 children at the rate of 80 children per municipalities. The results showed a negative correlation (p <0.005) between the increase in macronutrient intake and prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition. The iron status of children is negatively affected by higher intakes of fiber, phytates and polyphenols (p <0.005). However, higher intakes of vitamin C and iron are associated with higher serum iron with respective positive correlation R2 = 0.903 for iron and R2 = 0.563 for vitamin C (p <0.005). Contrary to the serum iron, serum calcium concentrations remain constant regardless of the contributions in anti-nutritional factors and nutrients to improve it, such as vitamin C and calcium.