Objectives
Micronutrient deficiencies are a global nutritional problem and in women of reprodcutive age are linked to detrimental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin A, folic acid, iron and zinc intake in women of childbearing age.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 Havana Cuban women between 18 and 40 years old. Micronutrients intakes were evaluated by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Micronutrient intakes were calculated based on Cuban food composition data using CERES program. Micronutrient adequacies were determined according to the Cuban recommended daile allowance (RDA) 2008. ANOVA test was performed to determine difference in average micronutrient intakes and Chi-Square test performed to determine differences in risk of micronutrient inadequacy according to age groups with p<0.05 to indicate statistical significance.
Results
The mean daily folic acid (190.6±139.4 mg/day) and iron (10.6±6.6 mg/day) intakes were lower than the recommended daily allowance. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes (90%RDA) were high (folic acid 91.3%, iron 90.7%, zinc 53.3% and vitamin A 38%) and 60% of the women had =3 micronutrient deficient. No significant differences and association was observed between inadequate micronutrients intakes by age.
Conclusions
Inadequate micronutrients intakes are common among women of childbearing age that may contribute to greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies, but is not associated with the age. Nutrition in women of reproductive age is an important modifiable risk factor that should be addresses in current efforts to better birth outcomes.I request for scholarship to attend the event
