Objective: To assess the dietary intake and the nutritional status of children from Alagoas maroon communities. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 724 children (12-60 months) from 39 Alagoas maroon communities. The nutritional status was investigated by anthropometric, biochemical (hemoglobin) and food consumption indicators. Results: The prevalence of anemia, stunting and obesity were, respectively, 48.0, 9.7 and 6.0%. The children had a monotonous eating pattern and a considerable prevalence of inadequate intake of zinc (17.0%), folate (18.1%), iron (20.2%) and vitamins A (29.7%) and C (34.3%). Compared to the other socioeconomic classes, the E class children had lower average consumption (p<0.05) for energy, carbohydrate, vitamins A and C, folate, iron, zinc and phosphorus. Conclusions: Anemia is a serious Public Health problem. The prevalence of chronic malnutrition and obesity were similar to those observed for the children in the State as a whole, where a nutritional transition process is occuring. There was a high prevalence of inadequate food intake risk for zinc, folate, iron and vitamins A and C, suggesting the need for nutritional education actions.
CITATION STYLE
Leite, F. M. de B., Ferreira, H. da S., Bezerra, M. K. de A., de Assunção, M. L., & Horta, B. L. (2013). Consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de pré-escolares das comunidades remanescentes dos quilombos do estado de Alagoas. Revista Paulista de Pediatria, 31(4), 444–451. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822013000400005
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