Micronutrient deficiency status in children below 2 year of age with delayed milestones

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiency have strong association with delayed achievement of milestones. Objective of present study was to know the micronutrient deficiency status in children below 2 years of age with delayed milestones.Methods: Study was carried out among 50 children below 2year of age with delayed milestones without any known cause for it. These children were evaluated for hematopoietic micronutrient deficiency and they were compared with controls.Results: A total of 50 children (22 male and 28 female) of delayed milestone were enrolled. Maximum number of children were in age group 7-12 months. Majority of children (62%) were from BPL families. Majority of children had Wt/ Ht -1 to -2 SD. Breastfeeding was initiated late (2-6 hr) in 38%. Sixty four percent children were exclusively breast fed up to six month of age, in the rest top milk feeding was also given along with BF. No complimentary feeding was started in 51.1% children after 6 months of age. In 73% of those in whom complimentary feeding was started the amount was inadequate. Maximum children were given complimentary feeding at the age of 9-12 month. In this study significant number of patients (p = <0.001) had low levels of serum vit. B12 (78% v/s 10% in control), iron deficiency (66% v/s 6% in control) and deficient folic acid level (16% v/s nil in control).Conclusions: Association was found between hematopoietic micronutrient deficiency and delayed milestone in children below 2 years age without any other risk factors.