(P18-029-23) Prevalence of Inadequate Micronutrient Intake Among Non-Pregnant Non-Lactating Women of Reproductive Age in Mbeya Region, Tanzania

Objectives: The Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center carried out a series of research studies in Mbeya Region, Tanzania to inform the Improving Maternal and Adolescents Nutrition (IMAN) project. We aimed to assess the nutritional status and prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake among non-pregnant non-lactating women of reproductive age (WRA; 15-49 years).

Methods: We conducted a household-based cross-sectional survey in Mbeya Region in July 2022 (N=500). Data collection involved multiple-pass 24-hour recalls for dietary intake data and a household module for demographic information. A repeat recall was conducted among a subsample 3-10 days after the baseline interview (n=120). Data were linked to the Tanzanian Food Composition Table to calculate the nutrient content of foods consumed. We used the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method and publicly available SAS macros to estimate usual nutrient intakes and to calculate the prevalence of inadequate intake in the study population, defined as the proportion of the sample who did not meet age- and sex-based harmonized average nutrient values.

Results: The mean age in the study sample was 32.4 (SD 9.94). Approximately two-thirds of participants were rural-dwelling (63.6%) and had completed primary school (63.0%). The prevalence of inadequate intake was >90% for vitamins C and E, riboflavin, iron, and zinc. The prevalence of inadequacy was more than two thirds for vitamin A (78.2%), vitamin B12 (82.0%), niacin (68.3%), and thiamin (72.0%). Slightly over half the women had inadequate vitamin B6 and folate intakes (52.7% and 53.9%, respectively). Only 4.9% of the study sample had inadequate copper intake. There were no differences in prevalence of inadequate intake by the subgroups analyzed (age, level of educational attainment, rural-/urban-residence, and sub-region).

Conclusions: Inadequate consumption of 11 key micronutrients is highly prevalent among WRA in Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Nearly all women in the study population would benefit from increased consumption of vitamin C and E, riboflavin, iron, and zinc.

Funding Sources: Supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID; contract number 7200AA18C00070; USAID Advancing Nutrition). The authors report no conflicts of interest. The contents are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.