A glimpse of iron deficiency anemia and Vitamin D level among children under five years in Karbala, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Anemia is defined by a deficiency in the number of red blood cells or their capacity of oxygen transport, which leads to inadequate supply to meet the tissue requirements. Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent health concern worldwide. It is characterized by a plasma ferritin level of less than 12 μg/L, which is not due to infection or inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a growing public health problem associated with multiple chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. A study conducted in the United States showed that approximately 70% of children and adolescents were 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 OH)D] deficient. The current study aimed to provide a glimpse of iron deficiency anemia and vitamin D level among children under five years in Karbala, Iraq. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study preformed in Karbala Teaching Hospital outpatient clinic and Laboratory Department. Eighty-six patients under the age of five years with ID or IDA were included in this study. Results: The mean age of included patients was 28±9 months and, 46 (53.5%) were male. A statistically significant association was seen between the mean age of patients in ID and IDA groups (mean age in ID was less than IDA), developmental status (better development in ID group), complementary feeding starting time (lower age in ID groups), more dietary diversity in ID group in compare with IDA, more dietary diversity in ID group and better financial status in ID group in compare with IDA group (p<0.05). Conclusion: we tried to highlight the importance of ID and IDA screening in children. The IDA could have effect on developmental status of children. Dietary diversity and the sooner start of complementary feeding would be essential elements for preventing IDA. There is no correlation between vitamin D deficiency in children with ID or IDA. We encourage other researchers to provide more comprehensive research on this specific topic due to its critical importance.