The association of food insecurity to health and dietary outcomes in U.S. children
Abstract
Food insecurity, a condition associated with decreased nutrient intake and poor health, may eventually lead to negative health outcomes in children, including iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and a low bone mass accumulation. The purpose of this study was to formally investigate the relationship of food insecurity to iron and calcium related health outcomes in U.S. children, 3-19y (n=11,247) and 8-19y (n=6,252) respectively. Participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 were classified for food security status using the US Children’s Food Security Scale and the US Household Food Security Scale in a cross-sectional study completed in homes and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Mobil Examination Centers across the United States. Iron deficiency was classified by two or more abnormal values for transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, erythrocyte protoporphyrin with the addition of abnormal hemoglobin to classify iron deficiency anemia. Bone mineral content was determined with whole body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Dietary measures were quantified by 24-hour dietary recall. The odds of iron deficiency anemia among children 12-15y were 2.95 (CI: 1.18-7.37) times more likely (P=0.02) for children in households with food insecurity among children compared with children in households with food security among children. Males 8-11y from households with food insecurity among children had an estimated lower total body (52.5g ±21.7g), head (11.2g ±4.6g) lumbar spine (1.6g ±0.7g), left arm (4.3g ±1.6g), and left leg (11.3g ±5.8g) BMC compared with males from households with food security among children. Health disparities persist among food insecure children. The results of this study indicate a continuing need for successful interventions to reduce iron deficiency anemia, to improve bone health among food insecure children, and to reduce food insecurity among U.S. children.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Boushey, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Nutrition|Epidemiology
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