THE STATUS OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AT THE VIETNAM NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the status of micronutrient deficiencies among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 169 adolescents (aged 10 - 17 years old) attending the Nutrition Outpatient Clinic, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, from December 2023 to July 2024. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 89.0% of participants, ionized calcium deficiency in 23.7%, Zinc deficiency in 16.8%, and iron deficiency in 15%. The most common clinical manifestations were pallor of skin and mucous membranes (44.4%) and muscle cramps (32.5%). Zinc deficiency was significantly more prevalent in males (p = 0.01), whereas ionized calcium deficiency was more frequent in adolescents aged ≥ 14 years (p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between pubertal and pre-pubertal groups regarding the micronutrients assessed. Conclusion: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, remain highly prevalent among adolescents. These findings suggest that routine screening is essential to improve the health status of this age group.
Keywords
Micronutrients deficiencies, Adolescents, Adolescent nutrition
Article Details
References
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