The influence of vitamin A status on iron-deficiency anaemia in anaemic adolescent schoolgirls in Myanmar

ObjectiveThe present study was conducted to investigate reasons for the high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent schoolgirls and to elucidate the role of vitamin A in contributing to Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA).DesignAmong 1269 schoolgirls who were previously screened for anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l), 391 anaemic girls were further assessed for Fe, vitamin A and subclinical inflammation status. Fe and vitamin A indicators were corrected for inflammation and were compared in the Fe-deficient and non-deficient groups as well as between those with and without inflammation. Logistic regression was done to determine whether vitamin A status and subclinical inflammation were risk factors for Fe deficiency. The differences in Fe status among tertiles of vitamin A concentrations were assessed using ANOVA.SettingMyanmar.SubjectsAdolescent schoolgirls (n 391).ResultsOne-third of the anaemia (30·4 %) was IDA. Prevalence of low vitamin A status (serum retinol ConclusionsFe deficiency was not the main cause of anaemia in the present population. The role of vitamin A as well as other micronutrients should be taken into account in addressing the problem of anaemia.