Iron deficiency in the elderly population in Finland

In connection with a large multiphasic screening programme carried out in Finland the prevalence rate of anaemia and iron deficiency were studied. Hb was under 130 g/l in 7.9 per cent of the men aged 65 years or over and under 120 g/l in 3.8 per cent of the women in the same age range. Transferrin saturation was under 15 per cent in 6.4 per cent of the men and in 7.7 per cent of the women. Iron deficiency was especially common in the rural population. A dietary study showed that iron deficient persons consumed less meat products and more liquid milk products than the others. The dietary factors are significant in the etiology of iron deficiency.