Iron status in women of reproductive age in Morocco

Women of reproductive age (WRA) are one of the vulnerable population mostly impacted by anemia and iron deficiency (ID) worldwide.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia, ID, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among WRA in Morocco.

This study included a representative sample of 2,012 non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years covering the entire territory of Morocco. Data collection encompassed socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, along with blood samples. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, serum ferritin (SF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been analyzed.

The median of SF for the entire population was 27 μg/mL (Interquartile Range (IQR): 12-50 μg/mL), and the mean of Hb was 12.2 ± 1.5 g/dL. Significant differences were observed between urban and rural areas: urban SF median was 24 μg/mL (IQR: 11-45 μg/mL) versus rural 31 μg/mL (IQR: 15-55 μg/mL, p < 0.001), and urban Hb mean was 12.2 ± 1.5 g/dL compared to rural 12.4 ± 1.5 g/dL (p = 0.02). Furthermore, the prevalence of anemia, ID and IDA are consistently high; 34.3%, 29.8%, and 16.4%, respectively, with a significant difference in favor of urban areas.

Our findings from this national survey reveal that despite over a decade of implementing flour fortification strategy using electrolytic iron to address iron deficiency in Morocco, anemia, ID, and IDA remain widespread among WRA. Exploring alternative strategies or adopting a different form of iron for fortification could be beneficial in reducing or even eradicating iron deficiency among Moroccan women.