Anemia Is Related to Iron Deficiency and Inflammation, But No to Global Overweight in Cuban Preschool Children

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The main cause of anemia in the preschool population is dietary iron deficiency; however, there are other conditions that can lead to anemia such as diseases that produce chronic inflammation and obesity. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in children aged 6 to 59 months and the association with inflammation, global overweight and maternal educational level. A national sample of cross-sectional study design was carried out. Hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors, leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein were assessed. Nutritional status was evaluated and level of mother education was collected by survey. A total of 1417 children were studied. Anemia prevalence was 22.5% and constitutes a moderate public health problem. Iron deficiency prevalence was 35.6% and erythropoietic dysfunction 13.3%; with elevated inflammation indicators 37.6% and leukocytosis 36.1%. Malnutrition occurred in 1.0% of the children, with a prevalence of overweight in 4.7% and obesity in 2.8%. Anemia was associated with iron storage deficiency OR=2.07 (1.45-2.97) and inflammation OR=2.01 (1.45-2.78). No associations were found between anemia OR=0.68 (95% CI= 0.35-1.32) and iron deficiency OR=0.96 (95% CI= 0.68-1.35) with global overweight. Global overweight does not explain the inflammation found OR=1.13 (95% CI= 0.54-2.37), neither by CRP OR=0.57 (0.24-1.37) or AGP OR=1.14 (0.54-2.42). Low education level of the mother was associated with anemia in the children (χ2 trend= 4.327 p=0.037), but not with iron deficiency (χ2 trend= 0.212 p=0.646). Anemia and iron deficiency in Cuban preschool children was a moderate public health problem associated with inflammation.

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