Anemia Risk Among Low-Income Infants Related to Food Insecurity

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Iron deficiency anemia is predominantly found in the population of low-income families and infants related to the their increase risk of food insecurity. This type of anemia can result in long-lasting developmental problems in infancy and early childhood. Additionally mothers can also experience side effects including increased weakness, tiredness, and loss of appetite. 

 This longitudinal study examined the relationship between the food security status of low-income families and the prevalence of anemia in children 18 months of age. They found that "56% of the infants were nonwhite, 19.9% of them lived in food insecure households and 4.8% lived in very-low food insecure households (Metallinos-Katsaras, 2016)."  The results also showed that 42% of infants living in food insecure households were more likely to develop anemia at the age of 18 months compared to infants living in a food secure household. 

 Infants between 12-18 months of age who live in a low-income household have an increased risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. A nonwhite ethnicity, lower educational status of parents, and a larger household size can increase this risk as well. However, WIC clinics provide money to low income families to purchase iron-fortified formula and cereal. RD's working within the clinics provide education on the importance of preventing anemia to mothers. The interventions provided by the clinic's help to target this population and aid in preventing iron deficiency anemia among mothers and their infants. 
-KM

 Metallinos-Katsaras, E., Colchamiro, R., Edelstein, S., & Siu, E. (2016). Household Food Security Status Is Associated with Anemia Risk at Age 18 Months among Low-Income Infants in Massachusetts. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(11), 1760-1766.

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