| The problem of malnutrition due to micronutrient deficiencies is worldwide and is especially prevalent in economically disadvantaged populations. Women are more vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies than men due to the additional nutritional requirements associated with pregnancy and lactation. In Latin America, iron, vitamin A, iodine, zinc and B vitamins deficiencies are assumed to be prevalent and important in public health. In this thesis I present an analysis of the intake of selected micronutrients of pregnant and lactating women from two poor neighborhoods of Cali, Colombia. The estimates are based on 6 days of observational records and 6 days of 24-hour interviews for a sample of 40 pregnant and 15 lactating women. The nutritional status of the women was normal, measured anthropometrically, and their energy intake was generally adequate for their energy expenditure. |
