Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
05:35

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

Population prevalence and risk factors for iron deficiency in Auckland, New Zealand

Cameron C Grant1, Clare R Wall, Deborah Brunt

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. cc.grant@auckland.ac.nz

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency (ID) affects 14% of young children in New Zealand, with prevalence varying by ethnicity. Factors like higher body mass index and not receiving infant formula increase the risk of iron deficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Previous iron deficiency (ID) prevalence estimates in young New Zealand children were limited by sampling bias and imprecise definitions.
  • Accurate data is crucial for understanding and addressing nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To accurately estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in children aged 6-23 months in New Zealand.
  • To identify factors associated with ID in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • An ethnically stratified random sample of 324 children aged 6-23 months in Auckland, New Zealand, enrolled between 1999-2002.
  • Exclusion of children with elevated C-reactive protein (>4 mg/L).
  • ID defined by two or more abnormal values for serum ferritin, iron saturation, and mean cell volume; analyses adjusted for clustering and weighted for ethnic stratification.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) was 14% (95% CI 9-17%).
  • ID prevalence varied significantly by ethnicity (Maori 20%, Pacific 17%, other 27%, NZ European 7%; P = 0.005) but not social deprivation.
  • Increased risk of ID was associated with a body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m² (RR = 4.34) and receiving no infant or follow-on formula (RR = 3.60).

Conclusions:

  • Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent in young New Zealand children, highlighting a significant public health concern.
  • Ethnic variations in ID prevalence suggest cultural practices influence iron status.
  • Rapid growth and consumption of non-modified milk increase the risk of ID in young children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes08:45

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes

Published on: May 10, 2022

The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability06:34

The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability

Published on: April 28, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles01:24

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

Microbial activity plays a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese, especially at the redox gradients characteristic of stratified aquatic environments. These cycles are driven by microbial transformations between oxidized and reduced forms of the metals, allowing organisms to exploit them for metabolic energy and structural purposes.Iron Cycling Across Redox GradientsIn neutral, oxygen-rich surface waters, iron is predominantly found in its oxidized, insoluble ferric...
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis01:24

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors01:24

Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...