Children lack vital nutrients, says report

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By Elizabeth Mwai

About a third of Kenyan children are stunted due to vitamin and mineral deficiency, a new report has shown.

The report indicates 85 per cent of Kenyan children aged below five are Vitamin A deficient and risk suffering from life threatening diseases like measles, while about five million school-aged children are anaemic.

According to the global study, if vitamin and mineral deficiency are not corrected between conception and the age of two, it may be too late to rectify later.

About 24 per cent of deaths from measles, diarrhoea and malaria are due to inadequate Vitamin A or Zinc.

"Children who themselves have insufficient micronutrient intake and absorption can suffer serious lifelong repercussions. If they survive infancy, their bodies may be weak and prone to diseases," says the report.

Birth defects

The report titled ‘Investing in the Future: A united call to action on Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies’, cautions that some children may suffer birth defects or become blind and may not go far in school.

Unicef Kenya’s Project Officer for Nutrition Noreen Prendiville said about 30 per cent of children aged below five were physically and mentally retarded due to nutrient deficiencies.

"It is tragic because they cannot reach their full mental and physical abilities," said Ms Prendiville.

She said 25 per cent of Kenyan children are reportedly undernourished and studies have shown that only 30 per cent of women breast-feed their babies.