Prevalence of different types of anemia in Ecuador

1. We present the results of a study of the prevalence of anemia and its causes in the population of Ecuador. The following parameters were used: blood cytology, reticulocyte count, serum iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B 12 concentration. 2. The study was carried out on 4 groups: 426 individuals of both sexes and all ages from the rural population of the lowlands, with a warm and humid climate; 226 individuals from the highlands, with a cold and dry climate; 1000 individuals of the urban working group from the lowlands; and 1000 individuals of the urban working group from the highlands. All subjects were chosen randomly. 3. The prevalence of anemia was 31.4% in the rural group from the lowlands, 27.9% in the rural group from the highlands, 5.5% in the urban group from the lowlands, and 2.7% in the urban group from the highlands, with an overall estimated prevalence of 20.6% for the population of Ecuador as a whole. Iron deficiency was the most frequent cause of anemia (91.3%; 18.7% of the total population), followed by bone marrow failure (6%; 1.2% of the total population), hemolysis (2.2%; 0.5% of the total population), and finally megaloblastic anemia (0.5%; 0.1% of the total population). 4. Since iron deficiency with and without anemia is very frequent, we believe it is justified to establish mechanisms for food iron enrichment for liable groups such as children and pregnant women from marginal areas.