South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II (SEANUTS II) Thailand: Triple burden of malnutrition among Thai children aged 6 months to 12 years

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed nutritional status among Thai children using anthropometry, dietary intakes, and micronutrient status. Design: Cross-sectional survey with multi-stage cluster sampling. Body weight and height were measured in all children. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Biochemical assessment was performed in one-third of the children. Setting: The study was conducted in Thailand’s four geographical regions and Bangkok. Participants: 3478 Thai children aged 0.5-12.9 years. Results: Stunting showed a downward trend by age group and was most prevalent among infants and toddlers. Overweight and obesity showed a significant upward trend by age group, location, and sex, and was highest among children aged 7-12.9 years. Risks of inadequate micronutrient intakes (calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, and D) were high (53.2-93.6%). Prevalence of zinc and mild vitamin A deficiencies were low; vitamin D and B12 deficiencies were nil. Vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in the urban area and among girls aged 7-12.9 years. Anemia was very high in infants and toddlers (56.6 and 35.2%), but showed a significant downward trend by age group. There was an overall high prevalence of iron deficiency without anemia (25%) versus iron deficiency anemia (4.2%) among children aged 4-12.9 years old. Conclusions: The high prevalence of stunting and anemia among children aged 1-3.9 years and overweight and obesity among children aged 7-12.9 years requires continued attention. While prevalence of biochemical micronutrient deficiencies was not high (except for iron), high prevalence of dietary inadequacies for several micronutrients warrants further in-depth investigations.