Anemia and Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folate Deficiencies in Women of Reproductive Age in Ecuador: Results from the Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey (P10-027-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the burden of anemia and deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folate in women of reproductive age (WRA) in Ecuador. MethodsData from the 2012 Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT-ECU) were analyzed to examine the burden of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among 7658 women of reproductive age (12–49 y; n = 7383 non-pregnant, n = 275 pregnant). Venous blood samples were collected, and hemoglobin (Hb) was assessed viathe sodium lauryl sulfate method. Samples were centrifuged, processed, and stored < -50°C until analysis. Serum ferritin (SF), vitamin B12, serum folate, and red blood cell (RBC) folate were measured viachemiluminescence. Hemoglobin was adjusted for altitude; and anemia was defined as Hb <11.0 g/dL in pregnant women and <12.0 g/dL in non-pregnant women. Iron deficiency and insufficiency were defined as SF <15.0 μg/L and <20.0 μg/L, respectively. Vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency were defined as <148.0 pmol/L and <221.0 pmol/L; and folate deficiency was defined as serum folate <7.0 nmol/L and RBC folate <342.0 nmol/L. Survey logistic and linear regression were used to examine associations of micronutrients with hemoglobin concentrations and anemia. ResultsIn analyses among non-pregnant women, 11.3% were anemic, 14.4% were iron deficient, and 21.1% had iron insufficiency. A total of 4.3% of women had vitamin B12 deficiency, 23.9% had vitamin B12 insufficiency; and <1% of women were folate deficient. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was higher in pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women: 31.1% of pregnant women were iron deficient, 43.0% were iron insufficient, 21.3% were vitamin B12 deficient, and 55.4% were vitamin B12 insufficient. In non-pregnant WRA, higher SF (P < 0.0001), vitamin B12 (P < 0.01), and serum folate (P < 0.0001) concentrations were associated with higher Hb concentrations; and higher SF (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.97; P < 0.0001) and serum folate (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97, 0.98; P < 0.0001) concentrations were associated with lower odds of anemia. In pregnant women, SF (P < 0.01) and serum folate (P = 0.002) concentrations were associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations. ConclusionsFindings suggest that the burden of anemia, iron deficiency, and vitamin B12 insufficiency is high among women of reproductive age in Ecuador. Funding SourcesNot applicable.