Overview of the nutritional status of selected micronutrients in Mexican children in 2006.

OBJECTIVE

To present an overview of micronutrient status of Mexican children in 2006.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Data on iron, zinc, folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies and low serum copper and magnesium were gathered and critically analyzed from the 2006 National Health and Nutrition Survey.

RESULTS

Iron deficiency is still the main nutritional deficiency in children (13%-26%). Zinc deficiency was high in all age groups (≈25%) but reduced 5.6 PP in children <5 y from 1999 to 2006. Folate deficiency was 3.2% and vitamin B12 deficiency 7.7% in children. Low serum magnesium and copper were high (22.6% and 30.6%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of iron deficiency seems to be lowering, and zinc deficiency has reduced in Mexican children. A high prevalence of copper and magnesium deficiencies warrants further research on their public health implications.