Bridging the gap: Assessing micronutrient deficiencies and informing intervention strategies in Roma children in Eastern Slovakia

Abstract Purpose Despite the availability of nutritional supplements, micronutrient deficiencies persist in certain communities. This study aimed to analyze selected micronutrients—vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)—in children under 1000 days of age from marginalized Roma communities and from non-Roma backgrounds. The objective was to identify potential differences between these populations that may indicate nutritional or metabolic inequalities with possible clinical relevance, and to explore early biomarkers useful for early risk identification and timely preventive interventions. Methods The nutritional and metabolic status of children under 1000 days of age was evaluated by assessing serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and TSH using the ELISA method. Data processing, statistical analyses, and graphical outputs were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. The protocol gathered data from the 2021–2022 initial wave of the longitudinal RomaREACH study, using a sample of 119 mother-child dyads, including 59 from marginalized Roma communities and 60 from the Slovak majority population. Results Marginalized children in eastern Slovakia demonstrated a suboptimal nutritional status, particularly with respect to vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc levels. No significant alterations in TSH values were observed between the groups. Conclusion The findings suggest the presence of micronutrient deficiencies among marginalized children, which may contribute to early health inequalities. Public health strategies should focus on supporting the implementation of nutritional recommendations and on expanding educational and intervention programs to improve nutrition in marginalized Roma communities.