Anemia, Iron Deficiency and Diet Independently Influence Growth Patterns of School Aged Children in South Africa

Objective: To determine the differences that exist in the growth indicators of primary school-aged children and to estimate the burden of disease attributed to anaemia, iron deficiency and lack of dietary diversity. Design: This cross-sectional study assessed growth status by determining anthropometric indicators and motor development. Information on dietary diversity and eating patterns was collected based on meals consumed at home and at school. Laboratory assays were conducted on venous blood samples to assess haemoglobin levels and body iron status. Setting: Children were recruited from a disadvantaged community in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Subjects: A study population of 184 children aged six to eight years was enrolled. Results: The stunting prevalence was 8.3% for boys and 6.6% for girls. Stunted growth was significantly associated with prevalence of parasitic infection (17.7%) (p=0.01) and prevalence of anaemia (23.4%) (p=0.03). A low prevalence of motor development impairments was found. Anaemia and iron deficiency were significantly related with impaired fine motor skills (P>0.05). The diets of 46.7% of the study population met the definition of minimum dietary diversity. Occurrence of nutritional deficiencies in children with low dietary diversity was twice as high as in children with adequate dietary diversity. A significant relationship was noted between low dietary diversity (seven-day recall) and anaemia (p=0.004). Conclusion: These findings provide evidence of the relevance of anaemia and dietary diversity to childhood growth, reinforcing the importance of effective actions to optimize children’s dietary intake to achieve better health outcomes.