Nutrient intakes and adequacy among preschool children under blockade in Gaza City, Palestine.

Abstract

After 13 years of blockade and closure, malnutrition has become a significant risk to the health of Gaza's youngest residents. According to recent national surveys, Palestinians are facing a double burden of malnutrition and very low levels of essential minerals and vitamins. The aims of this study were to assess nutrient intake adequacy among preschool children and to estimate the dietary and nutrient intake deficiency in the Gaza Strip. This cross-sectional, community-based, household survey was carried out in Gaza using 24-hour dietary recall to assess nutrient intake and adequacy among 176 children aged 2-5 years. Based on the nutrient deficiency for dietary intake [< 75% recommended dietary allowance (RDA)], energy shows the highest level of deficiency (89.8%) in the diet among the studied children followed by vitamin A intake (86.9%). About three quarters (73.3%) of the children studied consumed less than the RDA for calcium and 47.2% consumed less than the RDA for iron. Approximately 20% of the children consumed less than the RDA level of dietary intake for carbohydrate and 17% for zinc. Nutrient intake among preschoolers in the Gaza Strip shows a dramatic deterioration in macro- and micronutrient deficiency, especially in rural areas. Although the findings in this study are in line with previous reports, it revealed greater deterioration than previous local studies.