Anemia and food in schoolchildren in Maringá-PR

Abstract

Study of prevalence in schoolchildren. The sample was systematic and stratified by schools units with 334 schoolchildren on goverment schools in Maringá. Some variables were analysed such as number of daily meals, frequency of food that reinforces the bioavalability of iron and inhibition of iron absorption. The birth weigth and breastfeeding time were analysed in order to obtain information on the association with anaemia. It was found that 106 (31,7%) of the children were anaemic, according to the WHO criterion, and the anaemia isn’t assciated with the habitual consuption of beans and meat, important sources of dietary iron. Milk, however, since it is an inhibitor of iron absorption, non presented significance. The birth weigth didn’t show a trend towards anaemia. It was indispensable provide a guide with food associations for the most bioavalability of iron reduces higth percents founds of the deficiency.