Serum zinc, iron and urinary iodine levels and their relationship to other indices of malnutrition among lactating mothers in two agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia

There are limited studies on the magnitude and severity of zinc, iron and iodine deficiency, in addition to inadequate serum ferritin levels and anaemia, among lactating mothers across different agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study examining socio-demographic parameters, anthropometry, dietary diversity, household salt usage, urinary iodine and blood tests for zinc, ferritin and anaemia was conducted in 202 mothers among eight rural villages from lowland and midland agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. Goitre was determined by palpation. The prevalence of low status of serum zinc, ferritin, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), and total goitre rates among lactating mothers irrespective of their agro-ecological zones were 71.8%, 60.4%, 10.9%, and 35.2%, respectively. The median urinary iodine was 120 μg/L. Low level of serum zinc, iron and IDA was significantly higher in lowland mothers (96.2%, 89.4% and 20.2%) than in midland agro-ecological zone (45.9%, 29.9%, and 1.0%). Prevalence of goitre among lactating mothers was not significantly different across agro-ecological zones. Adequately iodised salt was available in 36.6% of households. Of the mothers, 37.5% in lowland were deficient in both biomarkers (zinc and ferritin) while only 2.0% in midland agro-ecological zone were deficient. None of the lactating mothers were aware of iodine deficiency diseases or the importance of using iodised salt. Haemoglobin levels were significantly correlated with maternal body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and dietary diversity. Lactating mothers in rural Ethiopia are at high risk of micronutrient deficiencies. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was significantly influenced by agro-ecological zone.