Iron deficiency is not the main contributor to anemia in older Mexican adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018-19

Objective. To describe the current status of anemia and iron deficiency (ID), as well as associated sociodemographic characteristics, in older adults (OA). Materials and methods. Serum and capillary blood samples from a sample of OA participants (n=2 902) from the Ensanut 2018-19 were analyzed. ID was defined as s-ferritin<15 mu g/L, and anemia was defined according to World Health Organization standards. Logistic regression models were used to associate the characteristics of OA with anemia and ID. Results. Of the OA analyzed, anemia was present in 28.4%, ID in 5% and iron deficiency anemia in 2.07%. Diabetes (OR=2.14), renal insufficiency (011=10.4), higher age, and urban dwelling (011=1.35) were conditions associated with higher odds for anemia (p<0.05). Belonging to the 70-79 year age group was the only condition associated with higher odds for ID (OR=1.86, p<0.05). Conclusions. Anemia affects a high proportion of OA, and ID is not the main contributor to anemia. Chronic comorbidities help explain the anemia problem in OA.