[Prospective study on the prevalence of iron deficiency in Cantabria among children 6 to 14 years old].

Iron deficiency is the most common worldwide micronutrient deficiency in developed countries. To analyze its prevalence in children and adolescent population from our region, we studied Hb, Hto, red cell volumes, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin in a population of 380 individuals. These also fulfilled an epidemiological questionnaire. Mean values and normal reference ranges are shown according to age sex, which is very important to optimize the identification of individuals with iron deficiency. Overall prevalence of iron deficiency was 15.7% and it was higher in adolescent males from 12-14 years (21.8%) and children from 6-8 year (18.8%). Significant differences related to residence or to socioeconomic status were not found. The health consequences of iron deficiency are to be considered in any public health planning project.