IRON AND VITAMIN A STATUS OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS IN ZAMBIA

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia
in breastfeeding mothers.
Design: Cross sectional descriptive survey.
Subjects: Breastfeeding mothers bringing their children to under five clinic.
Setting: A shanty compound in the outskirts of Ndola city, Zambia, Central Africa.
Main outcome measures: Concentrations of vitamin A, iron, haemoglobin and correlation
between vitamin A and iron.
Results: Anaemia was found in 29% while iron deficiency was present in 41 % of the women
studied. Iron deficiency anaemia was responsible for 22% of the anaemia cases. A positive
correlation was found between serum vitamin A and haemoglobin concentrations (r=0.184)
and a significant statistical relationship existed (p<0.05). This statistical significance was even
greater when a correlation was made between haemoglobin concentrations and vitamin A
concentrations below or equal to 30 Clg/dl(1.05 pmoV1) (r=+0.351, p<0.01).
Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia need to be urgently addressed
in this shanty compound and others like it surrounding Ndola city. Supplementing
breastfeeding women with vitamin A will not only reduce vitamin A deficiency, but could also
help to reduce anaemia.