Nutritional anemia in the English-speaking Caribbean and Suriname

ABSTRACT

Anemia is a problem in all countries of the English-speaking Caribbean where data is available. It affects mostly preschool age children and pregnant and lactating women. The most common cause is a deficiency of iron. This is probably due to an inadequate intake with a low absorption. A deficiency of folate is probably a responsible factor in the pathogenesis of some of the anemias. Anemias associated with parasitic infestations such as hookworm and whipworm and hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell anemia are also noted. (AU)