Anaemia in adolescent women: A priority for the nutrition agenda in Mexico. A comparison of data from the ENSANUT 2012 and 2018-2019 surveys.

The risk of anaemia in adolescence increases due to accelerated growth. This study aims to: (1) estimate the prevalence of anaemia in 2012 and 2018-2019 (Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutricion - ENSANUT [n = 5841 in 2012 and n = 2380 in 2018-2019]) in non-pregnant, Mexican adolescent women aged 12-19 years, and the changes in prevalence over this period according to sociodemographic, health and nutrition characteristics; (2) estimate the associations between anaemia and sociodemographic, health and nutrition characteristics in each year and overall, in non-pregnant Mexican adolescent women. Anaemia was defined as capillary haemoglobin <12 g/dL. The distribution of characteristics and their changes between 2012 and 2018-2019 were described. The covariate-adjusted prevalence of anaemia in 2012 and 2018-2019 and the changes over that period were estimated from a multiple log-binomial regression model and the factors associated with anaemia were assessed in each survey year and in both years combined. The prevalence of anaemia was 7.7% in 2012 and 13.1% in 2018-2019 (69% increase, Prevalence Ratio: PR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.13). The covariate-adjusted prevalence of anaemia increased from 6.9% to 10.5% in the overall population (PR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.19, 1.96), and increased considerably in the age group 12-14 years (PR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.36, 2.75), and in the northern region (PR = 3.68, 95%CI: 2.55, 5.32). Those receiving iron supplements or school breakfasts did not register a significant increase. A higher household wellbeing status and older age were associated with a lower prevalence of anaemia. Anaemia in non-pregnant adolescent women continues to be a public health problem. To improve the development and health of adolescent women in Mexico and to pave the way to a healthy pregnancy for the next generation, the causes of anaemia should be identified.

Effect of Added Sugar on the Consumption of A Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement Among 7-24-Month-Old Children.

Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) could help prevent malnutrition. Our primary objective was to examine the acceptability and consumption of sweetened and unsweetened versions of SQ-LNS before and after 14-days of repeated exposure. A total of 78 mother-infant dyads recruited from health centers in Morelos, Mexico, were randomized to two groups of SQ-LNS (sweetened, LNS-S; unsweetened, LNS-U). During the study, infants were fed SQ-LNS (20 g) mixed with 30 g of complementary food of the caregiver's choice. The amount of supplement-food mixture consumed was measured before, during and after a 14-day home exposure period. We defined acceptability as consumption of at least 50% of the offered food mixture. At initial exposure, LNS-U consumption was on average 44.0% (95% CI: 31.4, 58.5) and LNS-S 34.8% (25.3, 44.0); at final exposure, LNS-U and LNS-S consumption were 38.5% (27.8, 54.0) and 31.5% (21.6, 43.0). The average change in consumption did not differ between the groups (2.2 p.p. (-17.2, 24.4)). We conclude that the acceptability of sweetened and unsweetened SQ-LNS was low in this study population. Since consumption did not differ between supplement versions, we encourage the use of the unsweetened version given the potential effects that added sugar may have on weight gain especially in regions facing the double burden of malnutrition.

Recomendaciones de micronutrientes para grupos vulnerables en contexto de desnutrición, durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Latinoamérica / Micronutrient recommendations for vulnerable groups in context of undernutrition, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America

La crisis por COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) puede convertirse en una catástrofe alimentaria para Latinoamérica, aumentando las personas que padecen hambre de 135 a 265 millones, especialmente en Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Haití y El Salvador, que ya enfrentaban crisis económicas y sanitarias. Este manuscrito presenta la posición de un grupo de expertos latinoamericanos sobre las recomendaciones de consumo y/o suplementación con vitamina A, C, D, zinc, hierro, folatos y micronutrientes múltiples, en contextos de desnutrición, para grupos vulnerables: mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, niñas y niños menores de 5 años y adultos mayores. Las recomendaciones buscan disminuir el impacto potencial que tendrá COVID-19 en el estado nutricional, durante la pandemia. La posición surge de la discusión de dichos expertos con base a la revisión de evidencia científica actual para estos grupos vulnerables. Está dirigida a tomadores de decisiones, encargados de políticas públicas, personal de salud y organismos de la sociedad civil. Después de la lactancia materna y una dieta suficiente en cantidad y calidad, la suplementación con los micronutrientes presentados, puede contribuir a prevenir y tratar enfermedades virales, reforzar el sistema inmune y reducir complicaciones. La lactancia materna con medidas de higiene respiratoria, el suministro de múltiples micronutrientes en polvo para niños desde los 6 meses hasta los 5 años y el aporte de hierro y folatos o micronutrientes múltiples para la embarazada, son estrategias comprobadas y eficaces que deben seguirse implementando en tiempos de COVID-19. Para los adultos mayores la suplementación con vitamina C, D y zinc puede estar indicada(AU)

The COVID-19 crisis (SARS-CoV-2) might transform into a food catastrophe in Latin America and would increase the number of people suffering from hunger from 135 to 265 million, particularly in Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti and El Salvador, already facing economic and health crises. This manuscript presents the position of a group of Latin American experts in nutrition for establishing the recommendations for consumption and / or supplementation with vitamin A, C, D, zinc, iron, folates and multiple micronutrients, in undernutrition contexts, for vulnerable population of pregnant and lactating women, children under 5 years and the elderly. The recommendations seek to decrease the potential impact that COVID-19 will have on nutritional status during the pandemic. The position arises from the discussion of the experts based on the review of current scientific evidence for these vulnerable groups. It aims to reach stakeholders, public policy makers, health personnel and civil society organizations. Only after breastfeeding and a sufficient diet in terms of quantity and quality, a supplementation with the micronutrients mentioned above can help prevent and treat viral diseases, strengthen the immune system and even reduce complications. Breastfeeding with respiratory hygiene measures, the provision of multiple micronutrients powders for children from 6 moths to 5 years of age and the supply of iron and folates or multiple micronutrients tablets for pregnant women are proven and effective strategies that must continue to be implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. For older adults, supplementation with vitamin C, D and zinc might be indicated(AU)