Authors' objectives:

To update its 1996 guidelines, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned this brief update of the evidence on selected questions about screening for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

Authors' results and conclusions: In the U.S., the average prevalence IDA in target groups is: Infants 1-2 years (6 to 17 per 1000), teenage girls (1.5%), nonpregnant females of reproductive age (2% to 5%). Factors associated with a higher prevalence include prematurity and low birth weight, black or Mexican-American race, Alaskan native heritage, recent immigration, poverty and, among teenage girls, fad dieting or obesity. The prevalence among pregnant women is not known. For cognitive and school outcomes, trials of iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia have had mixed results. Most trials conducted in high-risk groups within developed countries did not demonstrate any benefit for infants and preschool children, but one trial in high-risk infants demonstrated a transient benefit.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsiron.htm

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)