Iron deficiency in children under five years old

nutritional deficiencies are a real public health problem in algeria Martial deficiency affects at-risk population groups (pregnant women and infants) in both developed and developing countries. In Algeria the extent of the problem is not well known as studies are rare and evaluation tools such as biochemical indicators are unreliable. Objectives - to determine the prevalence of martial deficiency in children aged zero to five in the city of Batna to study its repercussions on the child''s physical and psychomotor development and to evaluate appropriate treatment and preventive measures. Materials and methods In a sample of 354 children aged zero to five in the city of Batna we measured serum ferritin hemoglobin and transferrin receptors analyzed the clinical signs of deficiency and assessed the children''s growth and psychomotor development. The deficient children were treated with an iron-based regimen and follow-up tests were carried out at the end of the treatment. Results The prevalence of iron deficiency varies according to age group.