Korean J Hematol.  2011 Sep;46(3):196-199. 10.5045/kjh.2011.46.3.196.

The prevalence of anemia and iron depletion in the population aged 10 years or older

• Kim SK
• Kang HS
• Kim CS
• Kim YT

• KMID: 2252004
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/kjh.2011.46.3.196

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Anemia and iron depletion continue to be common disorders in the world. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of anemia and iron depletion in apparently healthy Koreans aged 10 years or more.
METHODS
We used the data of the 4th Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which assessed 7,607 individuals (3,337 males and 4,270 females). Iron depletion was defined as serum ferritin less than 15 ng/mL.
RESULTS
In males, mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration decreased after the age of 50. The prevalence of anemia was 7.1% in 60 to 69 year olds and 12.3% in men aged 70 or older. As for females, the prevalence of anemia was 8.8% in 15 to 17 year olds, 16.7% in 18 to 49 year olds, 10.9% in 60 to 69 year olds, and 18.2% women aged 70 or older. In males, the prevalence of iron depletion was 8.6% at ages 10 to 14 years, 3.9% at 15 to 17, and 2.6% at 70 years or older. In females, the prevalence of iron depletion was 17.2% at ages 10 to 14 years, 24.1% at 15 to 17, 33.0% at 18 to 49, and 5.7% at 70 years or older. Although normocytic anemia was most common in both males and females, the proportion of microcytosis and macrocytosis increased at age 70 or older.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of anemia and iron depletion was high in women of reproductive age and in the elderly. Considering the rapid increase in the older population, an intervention to prevent anemia and iron depletion is imperative.

Keyword

Anemia; Hemoglobin; Iron depletion; Prevalence

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anemia
Female
Ferritins
Hemoglobins
Humans
Iron
Male
Prevalence
Ferritins
Hemoglobins
Iron

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Mean and standard deviation of hemoglobin according to the age and sex.

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  Fig. 2 Mean and standard deviation of ferritin according to the age and sex.

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