Limits to commercially iodized salt to address dietary iodine deficiency in rural Papua New Guinea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fortifying commercial table salt with iodine is the principal strategy used globally to prevent dietary iodine deficiency. However, the costs of providing fortified salt to remote communities may result in it not being locally available or too expensive for many households. This study shows that barriers to consuming adequately iodized salt remain significant for remote rural households in Papua New Guinea (PNG). METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Using data from a rural household survey conducted in four areas of PNG in 2018, two issues are examined. First, we contrast the characteristics of households that reported consuming or not consuming iodized table salt, respectively. Second, the adequacy of the iodine content of samples of table salt consumed was assessed in the laboratory. RESULTS: Nine percent of the 1,026 survey households reported not consuming iodized table salt. These households tend to live in remote communities, are among the poorest households, have received no formal education, and have experienced recent food insecurity. Second, 17 percent of the 778 salt samples tested had inadequate iodine. The brand of salt most commonly consumed had the highest share of samples with inadequate iodine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Particularly in remote communities, ensuring that individuals consume sufficient iodine will require going beyond salt iodization to use other approaches to iodine supplementation. To ensure that the iodine intake of those using commercial table salt is adequate, closer monitoring of the iodine content in table salt produced or imported into PNG and enforcement of salt iodization regulations is required.

Iodine status of non-pregnant women and availability of food vehicles for fortification with iodine in a remote community in Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.

Adequate iodine status of women of childbearing age is essential for optimal growth and development of their offspring. The objectives of the current study were to assess the iodine status of non-pregnant women, availability and use of commercial salt, extent to which it is iodised, and availability of other industrially processed foods suitable for fortification with iodine. This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 in a remote area in Gulf province, Papua New Guinea. Multistage cluster sampling was used to randomly select 300 women visiting local markets. Of these, 284 met study criteria of being non-pregnant and non-lactating. Single urine samples were collected from each of them. Discretionary salt intake was assessed; salt samples were collected from a sub-sample of randomly selected households. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire to assess use and availability of commercial salt and other processed foods was modified and used. Salt was available on the interview day in 51.6% of households. Mean iodine content in household salt samples was 37.8 ± 11.8 ppm. Iodine content was below 30.0 ppm in 13.1% and below 15.0 ppm in 3.3% of salt samples. Mean iodine content of salt available at markets was 39.6 ± 0.52 ppm. Mean discretionary intake of salt per capita per day was 3.9 ± 1.21 g. Median UIC was 34.0 µg/L (95% CI, 30.0-38.0 ppm), indicating moderate iodine deficiency. For women with salt in the household, median UIC was 39.5 µg/L (95% CI, 32.0-47.0 µg/L), compared to median UIC of 29.0 µg/L (95% CI, 28.0-32.0 µg/L) for those without salt. This community has low consumption of iodised salt, likely due to limited access. Investigation of other industrially processed foods indicated salt is the most widely consumed processed food in this remote community, although 39.8% of households did use salty flavourings.

Iodine status of children and knowledge, attitude, practice of iodised salt use in a remote community in Kerema district, Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.

Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental impairment in communities with suboptimal iodine intake. Objective of the present study was to assess in more detail the iodine status and knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) relating to use of iodised salt in a remote community in Kotidanga area, Kerema district, Gulf province, Papua New Guinea. This prospective school and community based cross-sectional study was carried out in 2017. Simple random sampling was used to select schools. Multistage sampling was used to randomly select 300 children aged 6 to 12 years, of which 289 consented to participate in the study. A single urine sample was collected from each of the consenting children, as well as a salt sample from their households. Discretionary salt intake was assessed in a sub-sample of the children's households. Salt iodine content and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) were analysed. A semi-structured modified Food and Agriculture Organisation questionnaire was used to assess KAP of three different community groups. Only 64% of households had salt on the day of data collection. Mean iodine content in household salt samples was 29.0 ± 19.1 ppm. Iodine content was below 30.0 ppm in 54.8% and below 15.0 ppm in 31.2% of salt samples. Mean per capita discretionary intake of household salt was 2.9 ± 1.8 g/day. Median UIC was 25.5 µg/L and Interquartile Range was 15.0 to 47.5 µg/L, indicating moderate status iodine nutrition. Median UIC was 34.3 µg/L for children in households with salt, compared to 15.5 µg/L for children in households without salt, indicating severe iodine deficiency in the latter group. The three community groups had limited knowledge about importance of using iodised salt and consequences of iodine deficiency on health outcomes. This remote community has limited access to adequately iodised household salt due to high cost, inappropriate packaging, storage and food preparation, resulting in iodine deficiency. Strategies to increase iodine intake are needed.

Predictors of anemia in women of reproductive age: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project.

Background: Anemia in women of reproductive age (WRA) (age range: 15-49 y) remains a public health problem globally, and reducing anemia in women by 50% by 2025 is a goal of the World Health Assembly.Objective: We assessed the associations between anemia and multiple proximal risk factors (e.g., iron and vitamin A deficiencies, inflammation, malaria, and body mass index) and distal risk factors (e.g., education status, household sanitation and hygiene, and urban or rural residence) in nonpregnant WRA.Design: Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from 10 surveys (n = 27,018) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project were analyzed individually and pooled by the infection burden and risk in the country. We examined the severity of anemia and measured the bivariate associations between anemia and factors at the country level and by infection burden, which we classified with the use of the national prevalences of malaria, HIV, schistosomiasis, sanitation, and water-quality indicators. Pooled multivariate logistic regression models were constructed for each infection-burden category to identify independent determinants of anemia (hemoglobin concertation <120 g/L).Results: Anemia prevalence was ∼40% in countries with a high infection burden and 12% and 7% in countries with moderate and low infection burdens, respectively. Iron deficiency was consistently associated with anemia in multivariate models, but the proportion of anemic women who were iron deficient was considerably lower in the high-infection group (35%) than in the moderate- and low-infection groups (65% and 71%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, inflammation, vitamin A insufficiency, socioeconomic status, and age were also significantly associated with anemia, but malaria and vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies were not.Conclusions: The contribution of iron deficiency to anemia varies according to a country's infection burden. Anemia-reduction programs for WRA can be improved by considering the underlying infection burden of the population and by assessing the overlap of micronutrient deficiencies and anemia.

Nutritional status and dietary diversity of Kamea in Gulf Province, Papua New Guineas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the nutritional status of infants, children and non-pregnant women and underlying factors, dietary diversity and community food security, in the Kamea community in Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross sectional study. Study population 69 infants (0-59 months), 151 children (6-12 years) and 79 non-pregnant women from 10 villages in Kotidanga Local Level Government, Kerema District, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. RESULTS: Among infants prevalence of moderate stunting, wasting and underweight were 38.9%, 8.3% and 44.4%, respectively; after adjusting Hb concentration for altitude, the anaemia prevalence was 53.8%. Among children prevalence of severe stunting was 21.2%; moderate stunting, wasting and underweight were 57.6%, 12.2% and 48.5%, respectively; anaemia was 30.3%; median urinary iodine concentration was 32.0 µg/L and iodine deficiency was prevalent among 88.1%. Among women, mean height, weight and BMI were 1.46±0.04 m, 43.9±5.91 kg and 20.4±2.32 kg/m2, respectively; low BMI (<18.5 kg/m2) and anaemia were prevalent among 22.8% and 35.4%, respectively; median urinary iodine concentration was 36.0 µg/L and iodine deficiency was prevalent among 80.3%. Exclusive breastfeeding was universal for young infants; complementary foods were limited in variety and frequency. Dietary diversity was limited, implementation of the universal salt iodisation strategy restricted and community food security was inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia among the three age groups, including moderate status of iodine deficiency among women and children, are significant public health concerns. Improvements in dietary diversity, adequate use of iodised salt and community food security are needed.

Relationship between markers of inflammation and anaemia in children of Papua New Guinea.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of the acute-phase protein biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), with anaemia in children aged 6-59·9 months in Papua New Guinea. DESIGN: A nationally representative household-based cross-sectional survey of children aged 6-59·9 months was used to assess the relationships between various combinations of elevated CRP (>5 mg/l) and AGP (>1·2 g/l) with anaemia. Logistic regression was used to determine if other factors, such as age, sex, measures of anthropometry, region, urban/rural residence and household size, modified or confounded the acute-phase protein-anaemia association. SETTING: Papua New Guinea. SUBJECTS: A total of 870 children aged 6-59·9 months from the 2005 Papua New Guinea National Micronutrient Survey were assessed. RESULTS: The following prevalence estimates were found: anaemia 48 %; elevated CRP 32 %; and elevated AGP 33 %. Children with elevated CRP had a prevalence of anaemia of 66 % compared with children with normal CRP who had a prevalence of 40 %. Corresponding estimates for AGP were 61 % and 42 %, respectively. Similar results were found with combinations of elevated CRP and AGP. The higher prevalence of anaemia in children with elevated CRP and/or AGP was still present after controlling for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of CRP and AGP were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia in the children surveyed. There are no expert group recommendations on whether to or how to account for markers of inflammation in presenting results on anaemia prevalence. Additional research would be helpful to clarify this issue.

Vitamin A status of pre-school-age children aged 6 to 59 months in the National Capital District, Papua New Guinea.

Assessing the vitamin A status among pre-school-age children is essential for evaluating the magnitude and public health status of vitamin A deficiency in a population. This cross-sectional study assessed the vitamin A status of children aged 6 to 59 months resident in the National Capital District (NCD), Papua New Guinea. Children attending the Children's Outpatient Clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained from parents before using blood samples from their children. Assay of plasma retinol was carried out using the 'Clin-Rep' complete kit for assay of vitamins A and E in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A commercial enzyme immunoassay kit was used to assay C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma. Of the 132 children in the study 108 (82%) had received vitamin A capsules. The median plasma retinol concentration of the 132 children was 0.98 micromol/l and the interquartile range 0.65-1.38 micromol/l. Of the 132 children, 35 (27%) had a plasma retinol concentration below 0.70 micromol/l. 75 children (57%) had normal plasma CRP levels and in 57 (43%) the CRP levels were elevated. The median plasma retinol concentration of the children with normal plasma CRP was 1.19 micromol/l and the interquartile range 0.93-1.50 micromol/l. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the children with normal plasma CRP was 11%, indicating a moderate public health problem. 74 (56%) males and 58 (44%) females were included in the study. The prevalence of VAD in the male and female children with normal plasma CRP was 14% and 8%, respectively, indicating a moderate public health problem among the male children and a mild public health problem among the female children. The prevalence of subclinical (mild to moderate) and marginal VAD among the children with and without elevated CRP strongly suggests the need for continuous monitoring of the vitamin A status of the vulnerable groups in NCD.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) status of boarding school students in the Southern Region of Papua New Guinea.

Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is the major biologically active form of thiamine (vitamin B1). This cross-sectional study assessed whole-blood thiamine pyrophosphate concentration (WBTPPC) in boarding school students in the Southern Region of Papua New Guinea. Sample size for each of the five boarding schools was calculated using the 'proportionate to population size' cluster sampling technique. The 'Clin-Rep' reagent kit was used for the extraction of thiamine pyrophosphate from whole blood. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization was used to determine the thiamine pyrophosphate concentration. Informed consent was obtained from 468 students, mean age 17.7 +/- 1.5 years. The gender distribution of these students was 274 (58.5%) males and 194 (41.5%) females. The median and interquartile range of WBTPPC for all students was 95.41 microg/l (82.27-113.55). Severe to marginal status of thiamine deficiency was present in 6.4% of all the students. The mean WBTPPC for female students was significantly lower than that for the male students (p < 0.001), with a mean difference of 14.17 microg/l (95% CI of the difference: 9.85-18.50). Severe to marginal status of thiamine deficiency was present in 9.8% of female students and 4.0% of male students. The data strongly support the need for effective implementation and monitoring of food fortification legislation in Papua New Guinea. Withdrawal of fortification or suboptimal thiamine fortification of rice and other cereal products in Papua New Guinea would have serious negative public health implications, especially among students in boarding schools.

Status of iodine nutrition in pregnant and lactating women in national capital district, Papua New Guinea.

Urinary Iodine excretion is a useful and important indicator of the iodine status of a population. This study attempts to determine the urinary iodine concentration of non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, resident in the National Capital District of Papua New Guinea, so as to evaluate their status of iodine nutrition. The study population was made up of 56 non-pregnant, 40 lactating and 212 pregnant women. Of the 212 pregnant women, 14 were in the first, 64 in the second, and 134 in the third Trimester of pregnancy. Casual urine samples were collected and analysed for urinary iodine by Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. The median urinary iodine concentration for the non-pregnant, lactating and pregnant women was 163.0 micro g/L, 134.0 micro g/L and 180.0 micro g/L, respectively. Median urinary iodine for the first, second and third trimesters were 165.0 micro g/L, 221.5 micro g/L and 178.0 micro g/L, respectively. The 20th percentile urinary iodine values were higher than 50 micro g/L for all the groups. This indicates adequate intake of dietary iodine and optimal status of iodine nutrition amongst women in the various groups. Mild to severe status of iodine nutrition was found in 30.4% of non-pregnant, 35.0% of lactating, 22.2% of pregnant women, 28.5% of women in the first, 18.8% in the second, and 23.1% in the third trimester of pregnancy. To achieve optimal iodine nutrition in pregnant and lactating women, an increase in their intake of dietary iodine is recommended.

Zinc in human health.

Malnutrition is a contributing cause of about half of the 10 million deaths annually worldwide, and contributes to a substantial proportion of the infectious disease morbidity among children in developing countries. Recent epidemiological and clinical evidence has shown that in most developing countries deficiencies of specific micronutrients are partly responsible for the severity of infectious disease morbidity and mortality in malnourished children. Efforts to improve micronutrient status have focused on iron, vitamin A and iodine. Supplementation with iron and vitamin A significantly reduces child mortality, while implementation of the universal salt iodization strategy reduces the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders. These strategies are considered to be among the most cost-effective health interventions in developing countries. A number of recent zinc supplementation studies in developing countries suggest that greater priority should also be given to the correction of mild to moderate zinc deficiency in children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Some of these studies showed that zinc supplementation reduces the duration of malaria, and the severity of diarrhoea and respiratory infections (including pneumonia), and improves immunocompetence in susceptible children. The results of these studies indicate that zinc may be another specific micronutrient in which there is widespread deficiency in developing countries and that great benefits can be achieved by its supplementation.