Zinc nutritional status in preschool children in different communities in southern Ghana

Objective: To determine the nutritional status of preschool children in fou r communities in Southern Ghana with particular reference to zinc nutrition al status, and ascertain whether there are any significant differences in t heir zinc levels that could explain differences in their nutritional states . Design: Prospective study. Setting: Four kindergartens - two in rural communities (Kwabenya and Ashall ey Botwe) and two in peri-urban communities (Domi and New Achimota) in sout hern Ghana. Subjects: Preschool children. Main outcome measures: The levels of zinc in plasma, hair and red blood cells as well as alkaline phosphatase activity a nd the various nutritional states of the children as determined by biochemi cal analyses and anthropometric measurements. Results: The nutritional status of periurban children was better than that of their rural counterparts. Zinc levels were adequate and comparable in bo th communities and do not correlate to the various nutritional states, as d etermined by anthropometric and biochemical data. Conclusion: Low stature (stunting) can occur in the presence of adequate zi nc levels in plasma, hair and red blood cells. Zinc deficiency is nota cont ributory factor to the present malnutrition of the pre-school children in s outhern Ghana enrolled in this study.