Ferritin Levels in Colombian Children: Findings from the 2010 National Nutrition Survey (ENSIN)

Robinson Ramírez-Vélez, Jorge Enrique Correa-Bautista, Javier Martínez-Torres, Katherine González-Ruíz and Felipe Lobelo
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Robinson Ramírez-Vélez: Centro de Estudios para la Medición de la Actividad Física «CEMA», Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 11001000, Colombia
Jorge Enrique Correa-Bautista: Centro de Estudios para la Medición de la Actividad Física «CEMA», Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 11001000, Colombia
Javier Martínez-Torres: Centro de Estudios para la Medición de la Actividad Física «CEMA», Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 11001000, Colombia
Katherine González-Ruíz: Programa de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá D.C. 111321, Colombia
Felipe Lobelo: Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-10

Abstract: Low ferritin is associated with many adverse health outcomes and is highly prevalent worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the key findings related to plasma ferritin levels to identify the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors in a representative sample of children in Colombia, based on the 2010 National Nutrition Survey. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6650 Colombian children between the ages of 5 and 12. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by chemiluminescence. Sociodemographic data was assessed by computer-assisted personal interview technology. All analyses were conducted considering the complex nature of the sample. Of the children assessed, 3.5% had low ferritin, defined as levels <12 µg/L. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increased risks for low ferritin levels among black or Afro-Colombian ethnic group and for those living in the northern, western and southern regions of the country. In conclusion, a significant prevalence of anemia caused by low ferritin levels was found and various sociodemographic factors were associated with this finding in Colombia. Continued surveillance and implementation of interventions to improve dietary patterns among the identified high-risk groups should be considered. Implementing these recommendations can help reduce manifestations of iron deficiency (e.g., delays in infant and child development) and thus improve public health.

Keywords: nutrition; children; ferritin; prevalence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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