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Background:Micronutrient deficiencies are the most prevalent form of malnutrition worldwide. Although commonly related to underweight, micronutrient deficiencies can occur in both normal and overweight children in medium- and low-income populations undergoing nutritional transition. Objective:To describe haemoglobin and micronutrient levels in infants from a low-income area in Brazil in relation to their weight-for-length Z-score. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 2–11-month-old infants in Laranjeiras, a small urban community in North-east-Brazil between April 2009 and February 2010. Anthropometry and assays for haemoglobin, ferritin, plasma zinc, copper and selenium and erythrocyte zinc and copper concentrations were investigated. Results:The total number of full-term infants born in the study period was 222, of whom 153 were available for the study. Three (2%) children were wasted, 98 (66%) were of normal weight, 37 (25%) were at risk of overweight and 11 (7%) were overweight or obese. Nearly all (97%) children had at least one micronutrient deficiency, 102 (67%) had anaemia, 86 (58%) and 100 (67%) had plasma and erythrocyte zinc deficiency, respectively, and 7 (5%) and 113 (76%) had plasma and erythrocyte copper deficiency, respectively. 138 (91%) children had selenium deficiency. Except for plasma zinc, the proportion of infants with micronutrient deficiencies did not differ by weight-for-length status. Conclusions:The increased risk of overweight and micronutrient deficiencies in this population highlights the need to address the double burden of excess weight with micronutrient deficiencies in medium- and low-income settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe COVID-19 deaths among children and adolescents in Sergipe, Brazil., Methods: Ecological study of all COVID-19 reported cases and deaths occurring in children and adolescents < 19 years of age in Sergipe reported by the health surveillance and mortality information systems of Sergipe's Health Secretary and hospital records., Results: Of 37 deaths of children < 19 years old were reported up to 30 September 2020, corresponding to 4.87 deaths for 100 000 population < 19 years old. Most deaths occurred among infants (44.1/100 000), and this age group had the highest case fatality rate (15.3 %). Most children had comorbidities such as chronic neurological diseases (n = 7; 19%) and prematurity (n = 4; 11%). Most children who died (n = 18; 49%) were not admitted to intensive care units (ICUs)., Conclusion: COVID-19 mortality in children and adolescents in Sergipe was higher than in other Brazilian states and in high-income countries. A large proportion of the deaths occurred among children with comorbidities and a minority of children were admitted to ICU, reflecting the limited provision of such beds in the State. Newborns and infants are a high-risk group that must have priority in health public policy., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)