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Iron deficiency risk in children: discrepancy between dietary and biochemical assessments

V Arija1, J Salas, J Fernández-Ballart

  • 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, Barcelona University, Reus, Spain.

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin- Und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Dietary iron intake assessments may overestimate iron deficiency risk in children. Biochemical iron status is a more reliable indicator, especially for targeted health programs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a significant global health concern in children and adolescents.
  • Accurate assessment of iron status is crucial for effective public health interventions.
  • Dietary intake assessments are commonly used but may not always reflect true iron status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency in children and adolescents using both dietary intake and biochemical markers.
  • To compare the accuracy of dietary assessment versus biochemical assessment in identifying iron deficiency risk.
  • To inform the design of health education programs by evaluating assessment methodologies.

Main Methods:

  • A random sample of 300 children and adolescents (0.5-16 years) from Spain participated.
  • Dietary iron intake was assessed, and biochemical iron status parameters (red cell volume, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin) were measured.
  • Data were analyzed for age and sex differences in iron intake and iron status.

Main Results:

  • Dietary assessment indicated a high percentage of children with iron intake below recommended levels (24-77%) and individual requirements (7-41%).
  • Biochemical assessment revealed a lower overall prevalence of iron deficiency (0-23.3%).
  • The highest biochemical iron deficiency prevalence (23.3%) was observed in children aged 6-24 months, contrasting with dietary assessment findings.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary iron intake assessment may overestimate the risk of iron deficiency in pediatric populations.
  • Biochemical iron status assessment provides a more accurate measure of iron deficiency prevalence.
  • Health program strategies should not rely solely on nutritional intake assessments; biochemical validation is recommended.

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