Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current situation regarding micronutrient deficiencies among children and women in Bangladesh. This review also discusses the successes and current challenges of existing intervention programmes. Data from nationally representative and selected small surveys since the 1980s that have reported on the status of at least one micronutrient in children and/or women have been examined. National policy documents/reports on existing interventions have been analysed. While the severity of various micronutrient deficiencies has declined since the 1980s, a significant proportion of preschool-age children remains with deficiencies in vitamin A (20·5%), Zn (44·5%) and vitamin D (39·6%); about one-third of these children are anaemic, and 10·7% of the children are Fe deficient. A high proportion of non-pregnant and non-lactating women is deficient in Zn (57%) and I (42%), while one-quarter of women live with anaemia and vitamin B12 and vitamin D (21%) deficiencies. Nearly one-half of the pregnant and lactating women are anaemic. Suboptimal diets, poor hygiene, infection and infestation are identified as some of the key factors associated with high levels of deficiencies. Multiple approaches and interventions are being supported, and while some notable progress has been achieved, significant challenges continue, including those related to coverage, quality and compliance. It is concluded that although current intervention programmes have made some progress in controlling the severe deficiencies, micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh remain a considerable problem. More well-integrated approaches for strengthening the existing intervention programmes are needed. In addition, new intervention strategies for alleviating and preventing specific micronutrient deficiencies are recommended.
Highlights
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current situation regarding micronutrient deficiencies among children and women in Bangladesh
The scale of the problem is much greater in low- and middle-income countries where multiple micronutrient deficiencies often present concomitantly as a result of diets with limited diversity, poor bioavailability and limited micronutrient content, in addition to poor hygiene and infections[2]
This review examined all of the available nationally representative surveys since the 1980s that have reported on the prevalence of at least one micronutrient deficiency in children and/or women (non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL), pregnant and/or lactating women)
Summary
In addition to an increased risk of mortality, micronutrient deficiencies are associated with impaired resistance to infections, decreased nutrient uptake and delayed or impaired physical, mental and psychomotor development[4,5]. These deficiencies affect people’s quality of life, which can have an impact on productivity[1,6]. The recently concluded National Micronutrients Status Survey 2011–2012 (NMS 2011–2012)(11), together with the analysis and discussions related to the development of a strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies, has presented an opportunity to examine the current micronutrient status among children and women in the country and review the successes and challenges of existing interventions.
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