Iron deficiency anemia: higher prevalence in Mexican American than in non-Hispanic white females in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994

Abstract

Background: Mexican American females have a higher prevalence of iron deficiency than do non-Hispanic white females. Objective: The objective was to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and examine potential reasons for this difference between Mexican American (n = 1194) and non-Hispanic white (n = 1183) females aged 12–39 y. Design: We used data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994). Iron deficiency anemia was defined as abnormal results from ≥2 of 3 tests (erythrocyte protoporphyrin, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin) and a low hemoglobin concentration. We used multiple logistic regression to adjust for factors that were more prevalent in Mexican American females and significantly associated with iron deficiency anemia. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 6.2 ± 0.8% (x̄ ± SE) in Mexican American females and 2.3 ± 0.4% in non-Hispanic white females. Mean dietary iron intake, mean serum vitamin C concentrations, and the proportion of females using oral contraceptives were similar in the 2 groups. Age 3.0, however, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 2.6 ± 0.9% in Mexican American and 1.9 ± 0.6% in non-Hispanic white females (NS). Conclusion: Although much of the ethnic disparity in iron deficiency anemia remains unexplained, factors associated with household income may be involved.