Iron and Folate Status in Urban and Rural Costa Rican Teenagers

Abstract

This study evaluated the iron and folate status of Costa Rican adolescents and their dietary intake of these micronutrients. Hematological data, serum ferritin, serum folate and iron and folate intakes were evaluated in 307 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. The prevalence of anemia was 4%. Iron deficiency was found in 3% of adolescents and iron-deficiency anemia in 2% or less. The prevalence of deficient serum folate levels was less than 1%. Over 50% of females and around 20% of males did not consume 66.7% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron. Iron bioavailability in the diet of urban adolescents was intermediate, whereas it was low in the diet of rural adolescents. Approximately 53% of adolescents did not consume two-thirds of the RDA for folate. It is necessary to modify adolescents’ food habits in order to ensure an adequate iron and folate intake.