Iron and vitamin A status of breastfeeding mothers in Zambia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in breastfeeding mothers.


METHODS
Cross sectional descriptive survey.


METHODS
Breastfeeding mothers bringing their children to under five clinic.


METHODS
A shanty compound in the outskirts of Ndola city, Zambia, Central Africa.


METHODS
Concentrations of vitamin A, iron, haemoglobin and correlation between vitamin A and iron.


RESULTS
Anaemia was found in 29% while iron deficiency was present in 41% of the women studied. Iron deficiency anaemia was responsible for 22% of the anaemia cases. A positive correlation was found between serum vitamin A and haemoglobin concentrations (r = 0.184) and a significant statistical relationship existed (p < 0.05). This statistical significance was even greater when a correlation was made between haemoglobin concentrations and vitamin A concentrations below or equal to 30 micrograms/dl (1.05 mumol/1) (r = +0.351, p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia need to be urgently addressed in this shanty compound and others like it surrounding Ndola city. Supplementing breastfeeding women with vitamin A will not only reduce vitamin A deficiency, but could also help to reduce anaemia.
Kafwembe
E M
EM
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tropical Diseases Research Centre, P.O. Box 71769, Ndola, Zambia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006441:Hemoglobin A / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015024:Zambia / Q000453:epidemiology
D014801:Vitamin A; D006441:Hemoglobin A; D007501:Iron