Avaliação de micronutrientes e do estado nutricional em lactentes de baixa renda no Brasil

Abstract

Objective: This study describes the biochemical iron, zinc, copper, and selenium status of infants from a low income area in Brazil and their association to infant feeding and weight. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Laranjeiras, a rural community from Northeast-Brazil. Subjects: Full-term infants aged from 2 to 11 months. Results: 153 infants underwent anthropometry to obtain length and weight and blood assays for hemoglobin, ferritin, plasma selenium, plasma and erythrocyte zinc and copper concentrations. 102 (67%) children had anemia (Hb <11.0 mg/dl), 59 (40%) iron deficiency, 139 (91%) low plasma selenium, 86 (58%) and 100 (67%) had low plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, and 7 (5%) and 113 (76%) low plasma and erythrocyte copper. Breastfeeding and older age were independently associated with lower plasma ferritin concentrations. Zinc, copper and selenium concentrations were not associated with infant feeding. Weight gain velocity and weight-for-length z-score did not predict trace elements concentrations. Conclusions: Breastfed infants from low-income areas may be at risk for iron deficiency because breast milk is low in this nutrient. Blood zinc, copper and selenium concentrations did not differ by feeding practices or weight status. Trace element deficiencies in infancy are associated with factors other than anthropometry.