Abstract
Trace elements are vital components for healthy growth, development, and physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between trace element (iron, zinc, copper) deficiencies and picky eating behavior, development level, and physical activity level. This cross-sectional study involved 203 children aged 4–7 years; picky eating behavior, development level, and physical activity level were assessed through questionnaires. Zinc deficiency has the highest prevalence (37.4%); 67.5% of the children were assessed as picky eaters. Children with picky eating behaviors, poor development level, or poor physical activity level have significantly lower zinc levels, and higher prevalence of zinc deficiency. Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated a positive correlation between serum zinc level and development scores (r = 0.221, p = 0.002) and physical activity scores (r = 0.469, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, zinc deficiency independently related to picky eating (OR = 2.124, p = 0.037, CI = 1.042–4.312), developmental level (OR = 0.893, p = 0.022, CI = 0.810–0.984), and physical activity level (OR = 0.785, p < 0.001, CI = 0.700–0.879). In conclusion, the prevalence of zinc deficiency in children aged 4–7 was high, especially in picky eaters. Zinc deficiency was significantly associated with low development and poor physical activity in early childhood.
Highlights
Micronutrient deficiency is an important nutritional problem, which is widespread in many developing and affluent countries [1,2,3]
This study aimed to evaluate the levels of iron, zinc, and copper serum trace elements in children aged 4–7 in Taiwan, and to explore the correlation of trace element deficiencies and children’s picky eating behaviors, development and physical activity level
Children with zinc deficiency were significantly associated with picky eating behaviors, lower development levels and poor physical activity
Summary
Micronutrient deficiency is an important nutritional problem, which is widespread in many developing and affluent countries [1,2,3]. Trace element deficiencies are common among many developing countries, among children, partly because of their higher physiological requirements and lower consumption of nutrient-rich foods [6]. In addition to the common iron deficiencies, increasing research results demonstrated that trace elements zinc and copper are common deficiencies and are closely related to health problems, such as growth retardation and disease [7,8,9,10]. Iron deficiency has been associated with delayed cognitive and motor development, and iron deficiency anemia adversely affects cognitive function and psychomotor development [11]. Zinc deficiency may affect cognitive development by causing changes in neuropsychological behavior, and motor development [12]. Copper deficiency may cause both hematological and neurological disease [13]
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