Comparison of hemoglobin values in black and white male U.S. military personnel

Black and white male military personnel were studied to determine if hemoglobin (Hb) differences existed between the two groups, and if so, whether they were due to dissimilar nutrient intakes or to different patterns of vitamin and mineral self-therapy. Data analyses showed that black males (n = 331) had a 0.27 g/dl lower mean Hb than white males (n = 2268, P = 0.006). However, when only black (n = 60) and white (n = 371) subjects with known iron intakes at or above the recommended level were compared, the differences in the Hb of the two groups became smaller. The serum ferritin values of both of the latter groups appeared adequate for unimpaired Hb synthesis. The use of vitamin and mineral supplements did not differ significantly between the two groups. Adequate intakes of the hemopoietic nutrients resulted in higher Hb levels for both black and white males; at these levels of nutrient intakes the differences in the Hb values of black and white subjects were smaller than those previously reported. Studies comparing the Hb levels of black and white personnel should consider the level of iron intake of the two groups before drawing conclusions about the magnitude and implications of observed differences in Hb concentrations.