Background
Children < 5 years of age are at risk of developing an iron deficiency due to a low intake of bioavailable iron (FeBio). Few studies have estimated dietary FeBio in children at a national level in relation to sociodemographic characteristics. This study aimed to estimate FeBio intake and its association with sociodemographic factors among Mexican children aged 12–59 months.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out. Information on serum ferritin and diet was obtained from a national survey and representative sample of 1012 Mexican children aged 12–59 months. We used a 24-h recall to estimate total iron, heme and non-heme iron, vitamin C, phytates, calcium, and meat intake. We calculated FeBio intake using an algorithm. Differences in FeBio intake were analyzed by area of residence (rural/urban), country region (north, center, south), and socioeconomic status (SES), using linear regression models by age subgroups (12–23 and 24–59 months) and total population, while adjusting for study design.
Results
Total iron intake was 9.2 ± 6.7 mg/d. The estimated average of total FeBio fluctuated between 0.74–0.81 mg/d, with a bioavailability of 9.15–12.03% of total iron. Children aged 12–23 months residing in rural areas consumed less FeBio than those in urban areas (β = − 0.276) (p < 0.05). Children aged 24–59 months with high SES consumed more FeBio (β = 0.158 mg/d) than those of a low SES (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
FeBio is low in Mexican preschoolers. Being from a rural area and having low SES were negatively associated with FeBio intake. These results can benefit interventions seeking to improve iron status.
; Monterrubio-Flores, Eric; García-Guerra, Armando