Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Malawi Results from the National Micronutrient Survey
Bobrow, E.A.; Mdebwe, H.J.; Chimtolo, F.; Butao, D.; Banda, T.; Thompson, D.; Buxton, C.H.; Timmer, A.; Kalimbira, A.; Chilima, D.; Knowles, J.; Sullivan, K.; Parvanta, I.; Grummer Strawn, L.; Ortiz, J.
FASEB Journal 18(4-5): Abstract 358
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0892-6638 Document Number: 641981
A national household and school-based micronutrient survey in Malawi was conducted in Sept-Oct 2001. Objectives were to assess prevalence of anemia and its determinants and to estimate consumption of centrally processed maize flour and weaning foods for use as potential fortification vehicles. Capillary samples (children 6-36mos, school children 6-12y, women 15-45y, men 20-54y) were assessed for hemoglobin, zinc protoporphyrin (ZP), and malaria. School children were assessed for worms. A targeted 24-hour recall assessed consumption. Anemia was found in 72.3% of children, 17.7% of school children, 21.6% of non-pregnant women, and 11% of men. Iron deficiency (ZP>=60micromol/mol) was found in 66.6% of children, 23.7% of school children, 26.4% of non-pregnant women, and 8.9% of men. Few women took iron currently (12.1%), yet many (69.5%) had taken iron during any pregnancy. Anemia was associated with malaria in children, school children and pregnant women (p< 0.05). Anemia was associated with hookworm in school children (p<0.05). Only 1% of women used centrally processed maize flour. Only 14.1% of children ate centrally processed weaning foods in the past 7 days. Anemia is common in Malawi, chiefly among children. Major factors are iron deficiency and malaria. Alternatives need to be considered as fortification vehicles. Funding was through a CDC-UNICEF cooperative agreement.