"Are We Feeding Them Enough?" Micronutrient Deficiency in Children Aged Six Months to Fourteen Years in India

In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of the various micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) that affect children in India and an examination of whether there is a geographic basis for MNDs. MNDs are a common problem in the developing world, in particular, among children in South Asia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2021-11, Vol.13 (11), p.e19405-e19405
Main Authors: Vaidya, Sarayoo R, Syed Gaggatur, Naqvi, Sange, Aliya H, Srinivas, Natasha, Sarnaik, Mubashira K, Pisipati, Yasaswi, Sange, Ibrahim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Anemia
Children & youth
Girls
Iodine
Iron
Literature reviews
Malnutrition
Nutrition
Pediatrics
Preschool children
Public Health
Rural areas
School districts
Systematic review
Teenagers
Trends
Urban areas
Vitamin A
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Summary:In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of the various micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) that affect children in India and an examination of whether there is a geographic basis for MNDs. MNDs are a common problem in the developing world, in particular, among children in South Asia. According to the United Nations Children's Fund, millions of children suffer from stunted growth, cognitive delays, weakened immunity, and diseases because of MNDs. These physical ailments have several economic, social, and public health implications, and they can severely hamper a country's growth. This study aims to clarify existing data on this topic and highlight the disparities between children living in urban and rural areas in India. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic literature review of a total of five studies. Study quality was assessed using appropriate checklists, and the studies strengthened the hypothesis that MNDs are common among children in India. Because the selected studies were heterogeneous, no statistical conclusions are drawn here. However, a central premise is that MNDs in children are prevalent in India and are related to poverty. No link between geographic location and MNDs is established; rather, recommendations are made for further research on the topic.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.19405