Child's silhouette filled with fruits and vegetables against a Brazilian landscape.

Hidden Hunger: Unveiling Anemia, Vitamin A Deficiency, and Food Insecurity in Brazilian Children

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research exposes the alarming rates of malnutrition in vulnerable communities, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to secure the health and future of Brazil's youngest citizens."

Food insecurity, a violation of basic human rights, extends beyond mere calorie counting. It encompasses consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, which is crucial for individual well-being and societal progress. In Brazil, this issue is intricately linked to broader socio-economic challenges, particularly in regions with pronounced inequalities.

Studies show that food insecurity and malnutrition disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, notably children in impoverished areas. These populations often struggle with multiple forms of malnutrition, including deficiencies in essential micronutrients like iron and vitamin A, alongside general undernourishment. This complex scenario demands targeted interventions addressing the root causes of food insecurity and promoting balanced nutrition.

New research highlights the prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency among children under five in municipalities with Low Human Development Index (HDI) in the Brazilian Northeast. The study analyzes the association between food insecurity and the levels of hemoglobin and serum retinol, providing critical insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals.

The Triple Threat: Anemia, Vitamin A Deficiency, and Food Insecurity

Child's silhouette filled with fruits and vegetables against a Brazilian landscape.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 501 families from Gameleira and 458 families from São João do Tigre. These communities were intentionally selected due to their high levels of poverty and low HDI scores compared to national and regional averages. The assessment of food insecurity followed the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), while hemoglobin and serum retinol levels were classified based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

The study’s findings revealed a concerning reality for young children in these communities. Gameleira exhibited higher prevalences of both anemia and vitamin A deficiency compared to São João do Tigre. Moreover, a significant percentage of families in both locations experienced moderate to severe food insecurity.

In Gameleira, 75% of families with children under five faced moderate to severe food insecurity.
In São João do Tigre, the corresponding figure was 64%.
These statistics underscore the profound challenges faced by households in ensuring consistent access to adequate and nutritious food.

Regression analysis pinpointed key factors influencing hemoglobin levels in Gameleira. These included maternal education, per capita family income, lack of a color television, untreated drinking water, dirt flooring, and child's age (under 24 months). In São João do Tigre, the absence of a motorcycle and child's age were significant predictors. Serum retinol levels were associated with per capita income and sex in Gameleira, and lack of cell phone and sanitation in São João do Tigre. The research highlights the stark differences in factors impacting each distinct community.

Looking Ahead: Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies in Brazil

The research underscores that the populations studied, while sharing similar rates of food insecurity, exhibit substantial differences in the prevalence of specific nutritional deficiencies. This highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing specific factors that drive malnutrition in each community. By addressing these determinants, public health initiatives can more effectively combat hidden hunger and promote the well-being of children.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between food insecurity, anemia, and vitamin A deficiency in Brazilian children?

The research reveals a strong link between food insecurity, anemia, and vitamin A deficiency. Food insecurity, the lack of consistent access to sufficient and nutritious food, contributes directly to malnutrition. This malnutrition can manifest as anemia, caused by iron deficiency, and vitamin A deficiency. These conditions were observed in children from Gameleira and São João do Tigre, with varying prevalence rates. The study underlines that these deficiencies are not isolated but are interconnected consequences of inadequate nutrition, which is a direct outcome of food insecurity. Addressing food insecurity is therefore crucial to preventing these nutritional deficiencies.

What specific socio-economic factors contribute to nutritional deficiencies like anemia and vitamin A deficiency in Gameleira and São João do Tigre?

The regression analysis identified several key factors. In Gameleira, maternal education, per capita family income, the presence of a color television, treated drinking water, and flooring type were associated with hemoglobin levels. In São João do Tigre, the presence of a motorcycle and child's age were significant predictors. Serum retinol levels (related to Vitamin A) were associated with per capita income and sex in Gameleira, and lack of cell phone and sanitation in São João do Tigre. These factors suggest that improvements in living conditions, income, and access to resources could significantly improve child health in these communities.

How does the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) help assess the situation in Gameleira and São João do Tigre?

The EBIA was used to determine the level of food insecurity among families in Gameleira and São João do Tigre. The study found high rates of moderate to severe food insecurity in both communities: 75% of families in Gameleira and 64% in São João do Tigre with children under five faced this challenge. This scale provides a standardized method for quantifying the extent of food access problems, which is essential for policymakers and healthcare professionals to understand the magnitude of the issue and implement effective interventions.

What are the implications of the differing prevalence rates of anemia and vitamin A deficiency between Gameleira and São João do Tigre?

The differing prevalence rates highlight the need for targeted interventions. While both communities face high levels of food insecurity, the specific nutritional deficiencies and the factors that influence them vary. Gameleira exhibited higher rates of both anemia and vitamin A deficiency compared to São João do Tigre. This means that public health initiatives need to be tailored to address the specific determinants of malnutrition within each community. For instance, interventions focused on income and education might be more effective in Gameleira, whereas in São João do Tigre, sanitation and access to mobile phones could be prioritized, along with child's age, based on the study's regression analysis.

What are the broader implications of this research for addressing 'hidden hunger' in Brazil?

The research underscores that 'hidden hunger,' the lack of essential micronutrients despite caloric intake, is a significant problem in vulnerable communities in Brazil. The study’s findings highlight the interconnectedness of food insecurity, anemia, and vitamin A deficiency. These findings emphasize the importance of multi-pronged interventions that tackle both food access and the specific nutritional needs of each community. Policymakers and healthcare professionals must design targeted programs that consider the unique socio-economic factors at play in different locations, such as Gameleira and São João do Tigre. This involves addressing the root causes of food insecurity while also providing access to nutrient-rich foods and essential micronutrient supplementation to improve children's overall health and well-being.