The article explores the relationship between food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies among adolescent girls in Kabul, Afghanistan. A cross-sectional study of 380 schoolgirls (aged 11–18 years) found that 52.9% experienced food insecurity, with 35.8% facing hunger-related food insecurity. The most common nutrient deficiencies were in vitamins B9, E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
The study highlights that food security positively correlates with higher consumption of fruits, dairy, and proteins, while deficiencies in vitamin B3, C, selenium, and iron serve as key indicators of food insecurity. The findings suggest a need for food programs enriched with essential micronutrients to improve adolescent nutrition in Afghanistan.
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