[Prevalence of iron deficiency]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency is a global health concern, with distinct stages: iron depletion and iron deficiency anemia.
• Existing European prevalence data for these conditions are largely outdated.
• High anemia rates are reported in young children in French-speaking African countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and present current prevalence data on iron depletion and iron deficiency anemia.
• To highlight the need for updated epidemiological studies in Europe.
• To underscore the significant public health issue of anemia in young African children.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of prevalence studies on iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
• Analysis of data from European and French-speaking African countries.
• Inclusion of data differentiating iron depletion from iron deficiency anemia.

Main Results:

• Iron depletion prevalence in European toddlers and adolescents ranges from 7-18% and 24-36%, respectively.
• Iron deficiency anemia prevalence in European toddlers and adolescents ranges from 2-8.5% and 7-10%, respectively.
• In French-speaking African countries, 80% of children aged 0-2 years are anemic, with 5-9% severely affected.

Conclusions:

• Iron deficiency and anemia represent significant health challenges in both European and African pediatric populations.
• Urgent updates to European prevalence data are necessary for effective public health interventions.
• The high prevalence of anemia in young children in French-speaking Africa requires immediate attention and targeted strategies.