Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiency in Pediatric Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre

ABSTRACT

Background: Nutrition is required for normal growth of thebody. Insufficient nutrition leads to wasting and deficiencies ofessential vitamins and minerals. The present study wasconducted to assess micronutrients deficiency in pediatricpatients.Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on246 Pediatric patients. Blood sample was obtained understandardized aseptic condition. For estimation of zinc andcopper, atomic absorption spectroscopy method was used.Ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 were determined byelectrochemiluminescence immunoassay, vitamin D bychemiluminescent immunoassay, and vitamins A and C byhigh-performance liquid chromatography.Results: Out of 246 patients, male child were 132 and femalechild were 114. The value of zinc was 72.4 μg/dL, copper 0.94μg/dL, serum folate 11.2 nmol/L, Vit A 0.78 μmol/L, Vit D 75.2nmol/l, Vit C 11.8 μmol/L, Vit B12 156 pmol/L, ferritine 16.2μg/L, HGB 110.4 g/l and MCV 81.4 fl.Conclusion: Micronutrients play a necessary for normalgrowth of children. There was nutrients deficiency in children.