Folacin and iron status and hematological findings in predominately black elderly persons from urban low-income households

Abstract

The folacin and iron status and hematological parameters of 193 persons 60 years of age and older from urban low-income households were evaluated. Of the serum folacin values 30% were between 3 and 6 ng/ml and 8% were below 3 ng/ml. Of these subjects 60% could be classified as “high risk” (50 µg/dl) for all subjects as was transferrin saturation (>15%). Hematological indices showed a 14% incidence of anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dl), and 32% incidence of leukopenia (leukocytes 3). These findings demonstrate widespread folacin deficiency and no evidence of iron deficiency in these elderly people.