Non-Pregnant Women With Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Mexico - Results From the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2023

Objectives: Anemia and micronutrient deficiency in women of childbearing age is a significant problem that can affect maternal health and fetal development. It has been recognised as a public health problem in Mexico. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiency in women aged 12-49 years, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2023 (ENSANUT, Continuous-2023). Methods: A total of 904 non-pregnant women were included, representing 37,652,083 women in Mexico. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level < 12 g/dL in venous blood. Hb values were adjusted for locations with altitudes higher than 1,000 metres above sea level. Values outside the range of 4-18.5 g/dL were excluded. Micronutrient deficiency was determined in women after an 8-hour fast; 4 mL of venous blood was collected. Iron deficiency (ID) was defined as serum ferritin adjusted for inflammation (CRP >5 mg/L) < 15 μg/L. Low values of vitamin B12 < 200 pg/mL, vitamin D deficiency < 50 nmol/l (< 20 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency: 50 to < 75 nmol/L (21 to < 30 ng/mL), and vitamin D sufficiency: 75 nmol/L or more ( >=30 ng/mL). Folate deficiency < 4 ng/mL and elevated values (>20 ng/mL) were defined according to WHO guidelines. Deficiencies and low values are presented as frequencies, proportions, confidence intervals (CI95%). Results: 10% (7.3, 13.4) of the women had anemia, which is classified as a mild public health problem according to WHO criteria, requiring timely attention and monitoring of its behaviour. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 33.8% (27.0, 41.0); 38.9% (29.0, 48.5) of women had low vitamin B12 levels, 37.5% had vitamin D deficiency (28.9, 46.9), and although there was no folate deficiency, 33.1% (24.2, 43.2) had elevated folate levels. Conclusions: Anemia affects 1 out 10 women aged 12 to 49 years, while deficiencies and low micronutrient levels are found in about 1 in 3 women. Addressing these issues is vital to prevent adverse outcomes such as increased maternal mortality, preterm births, and low birth weight, which also have an impact on the economy. Micronutrient deficiencies often result from poor diets, emphasizing the importance of interventions such as food fortification, nutrition education and improved access to nutritional supplements in Mexico. Funding Sources: Ministry of Health, México.