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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background Growth retardation is highly prevalent among children. Infections and inadequate food intake are well-established causes of growth retardation. Nutrition plays a key role in the control of linear growth. Objective The aim was to assess dietary intake of stunted Egyptian preschool children. Participants and methods The study was designed as a case–control study that included 100 Egyptian children aged 2 to less than 6 years old with delayed linear growth, proportionate stunting, who were randomly selected from the stunted outpatient clinic of National Nutrition Institute. Their results were compared with age-matching and sex-matching controls. All participants were subjected to the following baseline assessment: full history; clinical examination; anthropometric measurements; dietary assessment including '24-h recall and food frequency questionnaire; and laboratory investigation, including he?moglobin concentration, serum Ca, Zn, vitamin A, thyroid stimulating hormone, T4, and T3. Results There was a dietary intake deficiency of several micronutrients among stunted children (primarily Ca, Zn, and vitamin A) as well as all macronutrient intake. Conclusion Dietary deficiency of macronutrients and specific micronutrients may play an essential role in linear growth retardation among stunted children. The calcium intake level among stunted children was far below the recommended figures. Nutrition education messages encouraging adequate consumption of dairy products are needed to counteract this pattern of low calcium intake.

Keywords

Micronutrients, preschool, stunting

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