Iron deficiency anemia developing countries

Iron availability is low in rice and maize-based phytate-rich Third World diets, and blood losses due to hook-worm infections are frequent in these countries. Iron deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency besides vitamin A and iodide. The prevalence of iron deficiency may be as high as 60% in Third World pre-school children, and almost half of these children (26%) show iron-deficiency anemia (Romero-Abal et al. 1995). However, about half of the even higher prevalence for anemia of up to 70% in African women and children (Quar-shie and Amoaful 1998) seems attributable to inflammation and parasitic infections (Asobayire et al. 2001) and other micronutrient deficiencies, rather than to iron deficiency (Allen et al. 2000). Hypochromic microcytic iron-deficiency anemia reduces physical work capacity, and both show a close correlation (Dallman 1982). As the brain is luxuriously perfused with blood, impairment of intellectual performance in anemia is a very variable symptom. Anemia at an age of 12-18 months seems to compromise the infant s intellectual development. To what extent such deficits in intelligence can be compensated during later development at adequate iron supply levels has been discussed, somewhat controversially, by Walter (1993) and Pollitt (2001). 

See also Anemia Iron-Deficiency Anemia. Folic Acid. Iodine Physiology, Dietary Sources and Requirements Deficiency Disorders. Supplementation Role of Micronutrient Supplementation Developed Countries. Vitamin A Biochemistry and Physiological Role. Zinc Physiology Deficiency in Developing Countries, Intervention Studies. 

The concentrations of vitamins and minerals are very much greater in the bran than the endosperm of cereals (cf. Table 14.1). As a result, bran is being utilized to manufacture neutroceuticals (nutritional supplements). A serious problem is the deficiency of some minerals, particularly in developing countries. Iron is one mineral that is widely deficient lack of iron leads to problems associated with anemia. 

Although the need for iron was discovered long ago, and although it is the most common and cheapest of all metals, more deficiencies of iron (chiefly in the form of anemia) exist in the United States and in most other developed countries than of any other nutrient. An estimated 10 to 25% of the population is affected. Lack of iron in the diet is attributed primarily to (1) the increased refining and processing of our food supply, and (2) the decreased use of cast-iron cookware. 

Little dispute exists that iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency the world over. In developing countries it is prevalent to a greater extent than in the more affluent nations. It is common in Colombia, Symptomatology is related to systemic affects of iron deficiency rather than the anemia alone, and the severity of symptoms is not correlated with the degree of anemia. 

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