Folacin and iron status and hematological findings in Black and Spanish-American adolescents from urban low-income households

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Abstract
The folacin and iron status of 193 adolescents from urban low-income households was evaluated. Red blood cell folacin concentrations were less than 140 ng/ml in 42% of the subjects and 140 to 159 ng/ml in 13%. Of the serum folacin values, 45% were less than 6 ng/ml, and 15% were below 3 ng/ml. Serum folacin levels decreased with increasing age (p < 0.01) and sexual maturity (p < 0.05). Transferrin saturation was low (µm3). These findings demonstrate folacin and iron status is less than adequate in a significant proportion of this adolescent population group.