[Abnormal eating behaviours are not associated with micronutrient deficiencies among women of childbearing age from Mexico City]

Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2010 Mar;60(1):64-9.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the risk of abnormal eating behaviors (AEB) and vitamin and mineral deficiencies among women. Women of childbearing age (n = 282) were systematically sampled with a random start (21.9% adolescents) in 6 suburbs in the west side of Mexico City, they were non pregnant or breastfeeding. Vitamin A, C, E, B12, folic acid, hemoglobin, ferritin, cupper, iron and zinc concentrations were measured. A questionnaire validated in the Mexican population was used for screening AEB. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and by using Fisher's test. Approximately 68% of the sample belonged to a mid-low or lower socioeconomic status. 14% had risk of AEB, without statistical differences between adults and teenagers. 10% used diuretics or laxatives to reduce weight within the trimester preceding the survey. Vitamin E, zinc and iron were the most widespread deficiencies affecting 47%, 44% and 27% of the population, respectively. There was no association between the AEB and micronutrient deficiencies neither when AEB were analyzed globally nor individually. Considering these results and the high prevalence of the AEB and overweight in this population, it is important to promote the adoption or healthy behaviors to achieve an adequate weight.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Avitaminosis / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Micronutrients / deficiency*
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Micronutrients