IRON STATUS OF ASIAN CHILDREN AGED 2 YEARS LIVING IN ENGLAND

Haemoglobin and ferritin values were analysed in blood from 1057 child ren, aged 2 years, of Asian parents living in England. Children who ha d thalassaemia trait or a current/recent infection were excluded. Twen ty nine per cent of Pakistani, 25% of Bangladeshi, and 20% of Indian c hildren had haemoglobin < 110.0 gn. The recent national diet and nutri tion survey of preschool children found a prevalence of 12% of 2 year olds with haemoglobin < 110.0 gn. No single factor accounted for more than a small proportion of the variance in haemoglobin and ferritin va lues, but the most significant factors that had a negative effect on i ron status included the amount of cows' milk consumed, the use of a ba by bottle, and mother's place of birth being outside of the UK. Taking vitamin or iron supplements was positively associated with iron statu s in one or more of the three groups.