Micronutrient deficiencies in normal and overweight infants in a low socio-economic population in north-east Brazil.

Background:Micronutrient deficiencies are the most prevalent form of malnutrition worldwide. Although commonly related to underweight, micronutrient deficiencies can occur in both normal and overweight children in medium- and low-income populations undergoing nutritional transition.Objective:To describe haemoglobin and micronutrient levels in infants from a low-income area in Brazil in relation to their weight-for-length Z-score.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 2–11-month-old infants in Laranjeiras, a small urban community in North-east-Brazil between April 2009 and February 2010. Anthropometry and assays for haemoglobin, ferritin, plasma zinc, copper and selenium and erythrocyte zinc and copper concentrations were investigated.Results:The total number of full-term infants born in the study period was 222, of whom 153 were available for the study. Three (2%) children were wasted, 98 (66%) were of normal weight, 37 (25%) were at risk of overweight and 11 (7%) were overweight or obese. Nea...