Dietary intake and nutritional status of women and pre-school children in the Republic of the Maldives

Abstract

AbstractObjective:Malnutrition and poor nutritional status among children are common problems in the Republic of Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. The aim of this study was to determine possible macro- and micronutrient deficiencies in the traditional Maldivian diet.Design:In five atolls, 333 women with children aged between 1 and 4 years who were no longer breast-fed were interviewed, using a 24-hour recall. Additionally, the weights and heights of both the women and children were measured, and blood samples from 15 women were collected for measurements of vitamins A and E, β-carotene, homocysteine, cholesterol and haemoglobin.Results:Of the women, 22% had a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5. Of the children, 41% were stunted, 14% were wasted and 51% were underweight. The women's and children's diets were sufficient in protein (14%) and carbohydrates (67%) but deficient in fat, which contributed only 19% to the total energy intake. Consumption of dietary substances that depend on vegetable and fruit intake (e.g. β-carotene, vitamin C, dietary fibre and folic acid) was low. The low intake of β-carotene was underlined by low plasma concentration. The estimated iron intake was low, although blood haemoglobin levels were normal.Conclusions:Marginal nutritional status and marginal malnutrition are due to low fat intake and selected micronutrient deficiency. Higher intakes of locally available vegetables and fruits and fat (especially for children) on a regular basis might reverse the deficits documented on the atolls.