Objectives
This study takes part of the national program of fight against micronutrient deficiencies and (National Nutrition Strategy 2011-2019). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) calcium deficiencies is among the most significant of all micronutrient deficiencies. Until now the prevalence of calcium deficiency is unknown at the Moroccan population. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of calcium deficiencies in children aged from 6 to 14 years.
Methods
Itâs descriptive cross-sectional study. A population of 300 schoolchildren aged from 6 to 14 years was recruited from tow schools in Rabat and nearest areas. For each participant, socio-economic and morbidity status are assessed and anthropometric parameters are measured. 24h urine calcium is analyzed by ICP-AES, and calcium intake was assessed by the 24h-recall (X3). The completeness of urines collect was confirmed by creatinine analysis
Results
Until now, 100 were recruited and have undergone urine analysis. Four subjects were excluded due to insufficient urine volume and other eight subjects were excluded because they presented outliers. The mean of urinary calcium was 70, 42 mg/d. so 80 % of the children present a Calcium deficiency and just 20 % have a normal value
Conclusions
The prevalence of calcium carences is still high among Moroccan children, thus a national strategy for reducing calcium deficiencies must be implemented
