The iron status of a healthy South African adult population

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, can present with or without haematological changes and is a major cause of microcytic anaemia. In South Africa and Africa in general, there is a paucity of studies on the iron status of healthy adult non pregnant females and males >18years of age. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in a healthy South African population.

Methods: A total of 651 healthy adults >18years were included in the study. Blood samples were taken for the determination of iron status, haematological and inflammatory parameters. A ferritin level of <30μg/L was used to define iron deficiency and these subjects were further divided into those with and without anaemia. Diet and menstrual history in females was further investigated.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of anaemia was 12.6% and iron deficiency was found in 78% of anaemic subjects. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 39.8% in all participants and females and Black Africans had a very high prevalence of 56.6% and 50.7% respectively. Significant (p<0.05) differences were found in concentrations of ferritin, haemoglobin, iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, MCV and MCH between the groups.

Conclusion: Anaemia is a minor health problem but a large proportion of subjects with iron deficiency do not present with anaemia. The prevalence of iron deficiency was high especially in females and Black African participants.

Keywords: Anaemia; Ferritin; Iron deficiency; Iron status.