The Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiency in Early School-age Children

The Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiency in Early School-age Children and Its Correlation With Eating Behavior, Dietary Habits, Development, Physical Activity, Nutritional Status and Health Status

This study aim to assess the prevalence of deficiency in micronutrients in early school-age children and its correlation with picky eating behavior, physical activity, nutritional status, and health status.

A structured questionnaire is used to conduct a cross-sectional descriptive study of 250 early school-age children aged 4-7 years (<7 years old) in Taiwan. Data collection would include: demographics, food preferences, eating behavior, body weight and height, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, records of medical illness, peripheral cell blood count, serum values of ferritin and micronutrients (iron, zinc, copper). Data from children define as picky or non-picky eaters base on parental' questionnaire responses, are analyzed and compared using standard statistical tests. The correlations among eating behavior, dietary habits, development, physical activity, nutritional status, and health status, and micronutrient deficiency are evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 4-7 years old (<7 years old) school-age children, legal representatives willing to sign the consent form and fill in the questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

• At the time of the enrollment, there is an acute infection (respiratory, gastrointestinal or urinary tract), and there are organic diseases (heart, lung, brain, hepatobiliary, kidney, endocrine metabolic disease or heredity).