Iron and Vitamin B12 Levels in School-Age Children

Objective: Iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies remain widespread among school-age children, contributing to growth and developmental issues. This study aimed to investigate iron and vitamin B12 levels in school-age children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Family Medicine Unit in Istanbul. Hemogram, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and vitamin B12 levels of 6 to 18-year-old children under regular follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The study included 234 children (115 boys, 119 girls; mean age: 9.9±3.2 y). Anemia prevalence was 9.4%, significantly higher in girls (13.4%) than boys (5.2%). Iron deficiency anemia was detected in 3.4% without significant gender or age variation. Ferritin levels were below 12 ng/mL in 56.3% of cases, with a significant difference between genders. Mean vitamin B12 level was 261.5±162.9 pg/mL (boys: 217.3±173.9; girls: 275.2±151.1). Vitamin B12 deficiency affected 40.6% of children, particularly boys and those age 12 to 18 years of age ( P <0.05). No correlation was found between vitamin B12 levels and other parameters except hemoglobin. Conclusion: While anemia is more common in school-age girls, vitamin B12 deficiency has been found to be more common in adolescent boys. Regular monitoring of anemia, iron and vitamin B12 levels in school-age children is critical for a healthy future.