Objective. To describe the prevalence of serum iron and zinc deficiencies and low serum concentrations (LSC) of copper and magnesium in Mexican adults. Materials and methods. Blood samples from subjects (≥20 years, both genders) participating in the 2006 National Health and Nutrition Survey were used to measure the serum concen- trations of s-ferritin, soluble-transferrin-receptor (s-TfR), zinc, copper, and magnesium. Results. The prevalence of s-ferritin≤12ug/L was 18.1 and 3.6% while s-TfR>6mg/L was 9.5 and 4.4%, for females and males, respectively. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 33.8% females and 42.6% males; LSC of copper were 16.8 and 18.2%, and 36.3 and 31.0% for magnesium, for females and males, respectively. Conclusions. The prevalence of deficiencies in iron (in females), and zinc are still high in the adult population. LSC of copper and magnesium are published for the first time and show significant prevalence of deficiencies. Corrective actions are necessary in order to diminish these nutritional deficits in the Mexican population.

Mexico's Prospera-Oportunidades-Progresa Conditional Cash Transfer Program (CCT-POP) included the distribution of fortified food supplements (FFS) for pregnant and lactating women and young children. Rigorous evaluations showed significant impacts on nutrition outcomes but also substantial gaps in addressing nutrition problems. To highlight the program design-related and implementation-related gaps and challenges that motivated further research and the eventual design and roll-out of a modified nutrition component for CCT-POP. We used a program impact pathway approach to highlight the extent and quality of implementation of CCT-POP, and its impact on nutrition outcomes. We drew on previously published and new primary data, organized into 3 sources: impact evaluations, studies to inform reformulation of the FFS, and a longitudinal follow-up study using qualitative and quantitative methods to document FFS use and the dietary intake of women and children. Despite positive impacts, a high prevalence of malnutrition persisted in the population. Coverage and use of health services improved, but quality of care was lacking. Consumption of FFS among lactating women was irregular. Micronutrient intake improved among children who consumed FFS, but the pattern of use limited frequency and quantity consumed. Substantial diversity in the prevalence of undernutrition was documented, as was an increased risk of overweight and obesity among women. Three key design and implementation challenges were identified. FFS, although well accepted for children, had limited potential to substantially modify the quality of children's diets because of the pattern of use in the home. The communications strategy was ineffective and ill-suited to its objective of motivating FFS use. Finally, the program with its common design across all regions of Mexico was not well adapted to the special needs of some subgroups, particularly indigenous populations. The studies reviewed in this paper motivated additional research and the eventual redesign of the nutrition component.

Objetivo. Describir las deficiencias de micronutrientes en la población mexicana participante de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022 (Ensanut 2022). Material y métodos. La Ensanut 2022 es probabilística y de representatividad nacional. Se recolectó sangre venosa en una submuestra de niños de 1-11 años (48%) y de mujeres de 12-49 años (37%). Se separó el suero in situ para analizar ferritina, vitamina B12, folato y 25[OH]D, definiendo deficiencias según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos en niños/as preescolares, escolares y mujeres (12-49 años), utilizando el diseño de la encuesta. Resultados. Las prevalencias de deficiencia de hierro, niveles bajos de vitamina B12 y deficiencia de vitamina D fueron 30.6, 17.4 y 4.7% en preescolares; 17.2, 20 y 37.1% en escolares; y 39.7, 34.0 y 37.7% en mujeres, respectivamente. Conclusión. La deficiencia de hierro en preescolares y de micronutrientes en mujeres fueron altamente prevalentes. Es necesario un llamado a la acción para realizar intervenciones focalizadas en grupos con mayor desventaja social.

Objetivo. Describir la magnitud de la prevalencia de anemia en la población mexicana participante en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022). Material y métodos. La Ensanut 2022 es probabilística. Mediante sangre venosa y Hemocué (201+) se midió hemoglobina (Hb) y se ajustó por altitud. Se definió anemia según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Considerando el diseño muestral de la encuesta, se obtuvieron prevalencias e IC95%. Resultados. Las prevalencias de anemia fueron 6.8% en niños de 1-4 años, 3.8% en niños de 5-11 años, 10.1% en adolescentes (12-19 años), 15.8% en mujeres (20-49 años) y 10.3% en adultos mayores (≥60 años). Conclusiones. La anemia afectó principalmente a las mujeres adultas. Resulta necesario identificar sus causas para focalizar acciones y evitar el ciclo intergeneracional del riesgo de anemia.