Abstract

PORTILLO, Zulay; FAJARDO, Zuleida; SOLANO, Liseti  and  BARON, María Adela. Consumption of dietary iron and zinc, presence of inhibitors and facilitators of absorption and maternal awareness of iron as a nutrient. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2009, vol.22, n.2, pp.76-83. ISSN 0798-0752.

The dietary pattern of energy consumption, iron and zinc and the intake of facilitators and inhibitors of iron as well as the mother´s awareness of these, was studied in 34 mothers of babies 6-24 months old. The 24 hours reminder was used in two occasions and a questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge of mothers. Socioeconomic level was determined (Graffar Mendez-Castellano). Averages, standard deviation and frequency distribution were calculated. 97.5% of the children lived in poverty. The intake of energy and nutrients was suitable except for zinc with 75% of prevalence of deficiency; 59% of the population presented/displayed dietary deficiency of iron (69% were not hem and 31% hem).Vitamins A and C were adequate with a deficiency of 8% and 31% respectively. Calcium consumption was high (211±108%) which is attributed mainly to the feeding based on milky formulas. 92% of the mothers knew that the child must take iron supplementation, 81% them did not provide it. 58% referred to know food that were sources of iron but only 40% mentioned the correct foods. All the mothers identified the main vitamin C. sources The results of this study show the urgent need of an integral nutritional intervention by supplementation with iron, nutritional education and family empowerment, destined to the control and prevention of anemia and the iron deficiency in the infants, a group of high vulnerability.

Keywords : Infant; Iron dietary; food consumption; macronutrients; micronutrients; Iron inhibitors and facilitators; maternal knowledge; food habits.