Hidden hunger: A case in early adolescents of the Colombo city

Abstract

Hidden hunger is the chronic deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, collectively known as micronutrients. Globally two billion people are in hidden hunger. The prevalence of hidden hunger is high in developing countries, and adolescents were found to be one of the most vulnerable populations. The prevalence of overnutrition in early adolescents in Colombo city has been rising during the past decades, and the vegetable-based diet has been shifted to an animal-based diet due to the rapid nutrition transition. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted using early adolescents aged 11-13 years in Colombo city to determine the adequacy of micronutrient intake. Six hundred thirty-four subjects were recruited using the multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using a general questionnaire. Dietary intake data were gathered using a three-day diet diary. Diet diaries were analyzed for daily energy, protein, and micronutrient intake using FoodBase 2000 software. The mean intake of energy, protein, and micronutrients was compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values, and the percentage of subjects below the RDA of the nutrient was determined. Results revealed that energy and micronutrient intake of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C were below the RDA value. Daily intake of protein, selenium, and niacin met the RDA. Daily vitamin B6 intake reached the RDA value in girls and was inadequate in boys. The highest percentage of scarce minerals and vitamins were iron and folate, respectively. Thus, early adolescents aged 11-13 years in the city of Colombo are in hidden hunger.