Dietary Patterns, Food Intake Frequency, and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Malnourished Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Umerkot, Pakistan

Background: Malnutrition remains one of the most critical public health issues in Pakistan. The objective of the present study was to investigate dietary patterns and food frequency intake and their association with specific micronutrient deficiencies among undernourished children in Umerkot District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among children aged 6 months to 5 years of age who had been admitted to District Headquarter Hospital, Umerkot. Anthropometric measurements were collected along with dietary intake and clinical data, on the basis of which chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted for dietary factors against micronutrient deficiencies. Results: The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 34.6%, which consisted of 26.5% as moderate and 8.1% severe cases. Lack of dietary diversity was significantly associated with iron deficiency anemia, with odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.9-4.1, p<0.001), and vitamin A deficiency, OR 2.3 (95% CI: 1.6-3.3, p<0.001). The low frequency of animal source food intake was associated with zinc deficiency, ORs being 3.1 (95% CI: 2.2-4.4, p<0.001). Conclusions: Nutrient deficiencies are strongly associated with dietary shortfalls for most relevant micronutrients in malnourished children. Dietary diversity and increased consumption of foods containing micronutrients are essential components of targeted nutritional interventions aimed at improving the nutritional status of malnourished children.