RESUMO
We carried out a review of the studies related to vitamin deficiencies in the Mexican population published since 1950. Forty four studies were published from which we can conclude that: a) dietary intake data suggest that ascorbic acid, riboflavin and retinol intake are deficient: reported intakes were 40-70%, 35-64% and 20-72% of the recommended daily amounts respectively; niacin intake was also deficient in some studies; b) about 10% of Mexican children in rural areas had deficient values of plasma retinol (< 100 ng/ml) and about 25 to 30% had low values (100-200 ng/ml); this prevalence is reduced in children with a higher socioeconomic level; c) some studies were found that show the existence of marginal deficiencies of vitamin E, riboflavin and vitamin B12 in apparently healthy populations. Further studies are required to identify the magnitude of these and perhaps other vitamin deficiencies and their potential effects on the health and function of the Mexican population.
Assuntos
Deficiência de Vitaminas/epidemiologia , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Deficiência de Ácido Ascórbico/epidemiologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Deficiência de Ácido Fólico/epidemiologia , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Niacina/deficiência , Gravidez , Deficiência de Riboflavina/epidemiologia , População Rural , Deficiência de Tiamina/epidemiologia , Oligoelementos/deficiência , População Urbana , Deficiência de Vitamina A/epidemiologia , Deficiência de Vitamina B 12/epidemiologia , Deficiência de Vitamina B 6/epidemiologia , Deficiência de Vitamina E/epidemiologiaRESUMO
A critical analysis was conducted in 39 publications on the prevalence of trace mineral deficiencies in Mexico, published since 1950. It can be concluded that: a) Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in Mexico. It occurs in 10 to 70% of the population depending on the region of the country. Rural areas in the southern and south-eastern regions are more drastically affected studies. This deficiency occurs even though iron intake in most studies is higher than recommended. b) Clinical signs of iodine deficiency have been reported in some mountainous regions of the country. These studies were carried out about 30 years ago, so the potential existence of iodine deficiency in these and other regions requires further study. c) There is some evidence of marginal zinc deficiency in some population groups. The magnitude of this deficiency, and the existence of other mineral deficiencies and their consequences for the health and function of the Mexican population, require further investigation.