Are Pro-Poor Policies Improving Nutritional Status Of Disadvantaged Preschoolers In Daycares In Salvador, Ne Brazil?

Brazil has implemented pro‐poor social policies but whether they have improved growth, health, and micronutrient status of disadvantaged daycare children in Salvador is unknown. In a cross‐sectional survey we collected data from 376 disadvantaged preschoolers aged 3–6 y in 7 daycares in Salvador on socioeconomic status, growth, daycare meals, parasites, and biomarkers. Prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting was low (<10%); 13% had BMIZ‐scores >1SD. Children from very poor households (HHs) had lower somatic growth compared to poor HHs (p<0.01). Nutrient supply from daycare meals was enhanced by Fe and folate fortification and was adequate, despite low energy density (0.79 kcal/g), except for Ca, vitamin A, and B1. 29% were infected with >1 parasite which negatively impacted on retinol, B12, and Se biomarkers (p<0.05), but not on growth. Deworming and vitamin A supplements protected against helminths and Giardia. Anemia, Zn, Se, folate, vitamin A, and B12 deficiencies were low (<10%). In conclusion, some pro‐poor policies were associated with improved health and nutritional status, including provision of fortified daycare meals, deworming, and vitamin A supplementation. Program coverage should be expanded and improvements made to reduce deficits in nutrient supply of meals and parasitic infections. Funded by Interstate Batteries (USA), Human Nutrition and University of Otago Research Fund.