Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children and Adolescents Aged 3-17 Years - 14 PLADs, China, 2019-2021.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Micronutrient deficiencies in children represent a significant global health challenge. Currently, there are limited nationally representative reports on micronutrient deficiencies among Chinese children and adolescents.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study presents nationally representative data on six micronutrient deficiencies. Among children and adolescents aged 3-17 years in China, the overall prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, marginal vitamin A deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, low selenium status, and copper deficiency were 0.3%, 12.1%, 23.9%, 41.2%, 10.9%, 3.3%, 7.1%, and 1.6%, respectively.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Among children and adolescents aged 3-17 years in China, vitamin D deficiency in adolescents (12-17 years), iron deficiency in adolescent girls (12-17 years), and low selenium status in rural areas emerge as the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies requiring targeted interventions.