DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health issue, particularly among women of reproductive age. Despite their importance in preconception and overall health, non-pregnant women are often overlooked in nutritional surveillance programs, especially in South Asian settings.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and patterns of iron, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies among non-pregnant women aged 15–45 years attending outpatient clinics in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in three outpatient clinics. A total of 360 non-pregnant women aged 15–45 years were recruited. Data collection included demographic profiling, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical assessment of serum ferritin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum folate, and vitamin B12. Deficiency thresholds were based on WHO criteria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS v26, and subgroup analysis was conducted by age group.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.4 years. Vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent (52.8%), followed by iron (41.5%), folate (23.6%), and vitamin B12 (19.7%) deficiencies. The youngest age group (15–24 years) demonstrated the highest burden across all micronutrients. Mean serum levels for ferritin, vitamin D, folate, and B12 were below optimal in a substantial proportion of participants. Significant age-wise differences in serum ferritin and vitamin D levels were observed (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: A high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies exists among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Lahore, with younger women being most affected. These findings support the need for integrated nutritional screening and public health interventions, including food fortification and education programs, targeting this at-risk group.