Prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in urban school going children of India aged between 6 and 16 years: study protocol for a multicentric cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood and adolescence are the period of rapid physical and cognitive growth and development, requiring adequate nutrition. Malnutrition in the form of undernutrition or micronutrient deficiency or overweight/obesity affects the health, cognition and educational achievement of this age group. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, folate, vitamin A, 25 hydroxy vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in the serum and haemoglobin, ferritin and lead levels and its association with reported dietary intake and cognitive abilities, in urban school going children aged 6-16 years in 10 cities of India. Methods and analysis: A multicentric cross-sectional study will be conducted to recruit 2400 participants (240 per site) across India. Participants will be selected using random sampling and will be categorised into age groups of 6-11 years and 12-16 years, with equal distribution. Data on socioeconomic status, anthropometric measures and 3-day dietary intake and cognitive performance will be collected. Blood samples will be collected for biochemical analysis of micronutrients. Findings will estimate the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and their association with dietary habits and cognitive functioning. Ethics and dissemination: Study protocol has been reviewed and approved by institutional ethics committee of all 10 participating sites. Results will be shared and published in a peer-reviewed journal, so that the findings will be helpful for the stakeholders in planning nutritional interventions for targeted groups.