SEANUTS: the nutritional status and dietary intakes of 0.5–12-year-old Thai children

Abstract

In the present study, we investigated nutritional status and health-related factors in a multistage cluster sample of 3119 Thai urban and rural children aged 0·5-12·9 years. In a subsample, blood samples were collected for the measurement of Hb, transferrin receptor, vitamin A and vitamin D concentrations. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural children than in urban children, whereas the wasting rate was similar in both rural and urban areas. Among children aged 3·0 -5·9 years, the prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas and so was the obesity rate in children aged 6·0 -12·9 years. Protein intakes of all age groups were relatively high in both the areas. Intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and vitamin C were significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The prevalence of anaemia in rural areas was twice as high as that in urban areas, particularly in infants and young children. However, the prevalence of Fe-deficiency anaemia was similar in both urban and rural areas. While the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (by serum retinol cut-off ,0·7 mmol/l) seemed to be very low, vitamin A insufficiency (by serum retinol cut-off , 1·05 mmol/l) was more prevalent (29·4 -31·7 %) in both the areas. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency ranged between 27·7 and 45·6 % among the children. The present study indicates that the double burden of malnutrition is still a major public health problem in Thailand. Further studies need to explore the associated risk factors for these nutrient deficiencies. Effective strategies and actions are needed to tackle the nutritional problems in Thai children.

Calcium Intake in Relation to Body Mass Index and Fatness in Thai School-Aged Children

“…This study was part of the South East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS) which aimed to examine nutritional status and nutrient intakes of infants and children, aged 6 months -12 years, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand [16]. The survey in Thailand was carried out in four regions of the country during January-August 2011.…”

“…A recent nutrition survey in 3119 Thai infants and children, aged 6 months -12 years, from 4 regions of Thailand including Bangkok, showed an overall prevalence of childhood obesity of 11.8% for municipal and 5.9% for non-municipal areas and the highest proportion of obese children was found among the school-age group (6 to 12 years). The prevalence of underweight ranged between 6.4% -10.2% and the stunting prevalence in non-municipal areas was twice as high as in municipal areas; 8.4% versus 4.1% [16]. Furthermore, results showed that calcium, iron and vitamin C intakes of children were relatively low compared to the recommendation [16].…”

“…The prevalence of underweight ranged between 6.4% -10.2% and the stunting prevalence in non-municipal areas was twice as high as in municipal areas; 8.4% versus 4.1% [16]. Furthermore, results showed that calcium, iron and vitamin C intakes of children were relatively low compared to the recommendation [16]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between calcium intake and adiposity of Thai school-aged children.…”

Composition of Follow-Up Formula for Young Children Aged 12-36 Months: Recommendations of an International Expert Group Coordinated by the Nutrition Association of Thailand and the Early Nutrition Academy

“…Data on nutrient intakes and biochemical status in young children aged 12-36 months from 19 countries were reviewed by the expert group [17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41]. They are obtained from both national surveys and cross-sectional community-based surveys in Asia (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam), Australia, New Zealand, Europe (France, Ireland and Norway), Africa (Cameroon and South Africa), North America (Canada, Mexico and USA) and South America (Brazil).…”

Length and height percentiles for children in the South-East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS)

“…The sampling procedures followed in each one of the four SEANUTS countries are described in detail elsewhere (17,(19)(20)(21)(22) . In brief, both Indonesia and Thailand used population-based sampling approaches, whereas Malaysia and Vietnam performed their sampling in nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools.…”