Relation between some nutrients intake and nutritional anemia among physically handicapped children in Egypt

ABSTRACT

The most common cause of anemia is a deficiency of iron, although not necessarily a dietary deficiency of total iron intake. Deficiencies of folates [or folic acid], vitamin B[12] and protein may also cause anemia. Ascorbic acid, vitamin E, copper and pyridoxine are also needed for production of red blood cells [erythrocytes]. Vitamin A deficiency is also associated with anemia. The disability defined as a limitation of the variety of movement that can interfere with the acquisition of independence as well as hamper the child's ability to interact with the environment. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of anemia and to evaluate the relation between some nutrients intake and nutritional anemia in physically handicapped children in Egypt. This study included 126 [62 boys and 64 girls] physically Handicapped aged from 6- urban areas in Egypt. Dietary intake was recorded for 72% of sample. Blood Samples were taken from all individuals to determine hemoglobin level. The results revealed that the prevalence of nutritional anemia was 37% and 53% among studied males and females respectively. The results also revealed that the total protein intake, iron, zinc and copper were lower among the anemic than non anemic subjects. Nutritional anemia was more prevalent among the physically handicapped children and adolescents than the general population in Egypt. There was relation of protein, iron, zinc and copper with anemia. So parents needed to nutrition education concerning basic nutrition; food main groups; number of daily serving portions for each food group or how to introduce balanced diet making use of available food resources are important issue to improve the nutritional status of them children