Iron deficiency and anemia are not associated with food insecurity in pregnant women in the United States: NHANES 1999–2008

Abstract

Food insecurity (FI) has been associated with low iron (Fe) intake in US children, adolescents, and non‐pregnant adults. Pregnant women may be at higher risk of FI and Fe deficiency (ID) as nutritional needs increase throughout pregnancy and more resources are needed to secure food. Maternal ID and anemia are associated with low birth weight and life‐long cognitive impairment in the child. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of ID and FI among pregnant women ages 13 to 54 y (n=1,023) using data from NHANES 1999–2008. Food security was classified using the US Food Security Survey Module. ID was indicated using total body Fe, soluble transferrin receptor, or ferritin, and anemia by hemoglobin or hematocrit. The odds of ID, indicated by ferritin status, were 2.9 times higher for FI compared with food secure (FS) pregnant women. However, after excluding for inflammation, indicated by C‐reactive protein, the odds of ID were not significantly greater for FI compared with FS pregnant women. Models created for other indicators of ID and anemia were not significant. In conclusion, evidence for a significant association of food insecurity with iron deficiency or anemia in pregnant US women is insufficient, yet efforts to reduce the prevalence of ID and anemia should continue among both FS and FI pregnant women.Grant Funding Source: Purdue University Department of Nutrition Science