Anemia Among Cuban Children
Nutritional Deficiencies, Regional Disparities, and Trends from 2005 to 2023
Anemia is the primary nutritional issue among Cuban children. A person is considered anemic when their blood hemoglobin level is below 110 grams per liter. This condition arises due to a lack of iron in the diet.
Pita and Jiménez (2006-2007), in their study Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Cuba’s Child Population: Gaps to Close,determined that 37.5% of Cuban children were anemic during those years. Additionally, the report Anemia in Children under Five Years Old in Eastern Cuba presents data on children aged 6 to 59 months with anemia in Cuba's eastern provinces.
The results of a study conducted in 2015 showed a decrease in anemia cases among children in eastern provinces, from 31.8% in 2005 to 26%. However, a significant increase was observed in Las Tunas, where an estimated 56.8% of children are anemic. The overall reduction was achieved through a UN food assistance program.
In 2005, 24% of mothers were anemic before pregnancy, and 69.3% of their children developed anemia. By 2011, these percentages changed to 29.7% and 45.7%, respectively. No significant differences in anemia levels were observed between boys and girls.
A 2023 study titled Anemia, Iron Deficiency, and Associated Factors in Cuban Children Aged 6 to 59 Months concluded that 22% of children in this age group have anemia. Of these, 81.1% have mild anemia, and 18.9% have moderate anemia. No major differences in anemia levels were found by gender, though age groups showed variation.
Among children under two years old, 41.2% are anemic, while only 11.6% of those older than two years are affected.
The situation is especially critical among infants, where 57% have anemia. Optimal nutrition during the first two years of life is essential for overall development and reducing the risk of allergies and chronic diseases. A lack of nutrients can also cause permanent developmental delays, loss of focus, and learning difficulties.
The table below shows the consumption of various food types in different regions of the country:
The low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes is concerning. In the eastern region, 50% of children do not consume meat or eggs, and only 9% eat vegetables.
The production of pasteurized milk in the country decreased from 683,000 tons annually in 1985 to 83,200 tons in 2023. In 2021, the government implemented a plan with 63 measures to boost agricultural production. However, this resulted in even lower food production, to the extent that the government cannot guarantee the supply of 7 pounds of sugar and 5 pounds of rice per person per month.
Imported powdered milk is distributed in low-quality bags, including those meant for beverages, making it easy to adulterate the product. Moreover, these bags lack information about the contents and nutritional specifications (see Cibercuba).
Powdered milk fortified with iron and other nutrients has the highest iron content. Whole powdered milk naturally contains very little iron (0.1–0.3 mg/100 g), insufficient to meet daily needs. In contrast, fortified powdered milk includes added iron (4–8 mg/100 g) and other nutrients, making it effective in preventing childhood anemia (Scielo).
Childhood anemia can have lifelong negative effects, impacting growth, learning, and overall health. The short- and long-term consequences include:
Learning difficulties: Anemia can impair development and school performance, affecting attention and social interaction.
Slow growth and short stature: Severe iron-deficiency anemia in infants and children can lead to physical growth delays and shorter height for age.
Weakened immunity: Anemia lowers immune defenses, causing fatigue and limiting physical activity.
Fatigue and low productivity: In adults, anemia reduces the capacity for physically demanding work, impacting productivity.
Risk of severe illnesses: It is linked to pregnancy complications, low birth weight, and higher disease risks for both children and mothers.
Emotional and behavioral issues: It can affect motor development in infants and lead to long-term difficulties in school.
According to an NIH study, the recommended daily iron intake for children is as follows:
Birth to 6 months: Boys 0.27 mg, Girls 0.27 mg
7 to 12 months: Boys 11 mg, Girls 11 mg
1 to 3 years: Boys 7 mg, Girls 7 mg
4 to 8 years: Boys 10 mg, Girls 10 mg
9 to 13 years: Boys 8 mg, Girls 8 mg
14 to 18 years: Boys 11 mg, Girls 15 mg
In summary, anemia remains a serious issue among Cuban children, affecting their physical and cognitive development. Although there has been slight improvement in some years, rates remain high, particularly in certain eastern regions. Iron deficiency in the diet, combined with the poor quality of foods like powdered milk, exacerbates the problem. This can lead to growth delays, learning challenges, and a weakened immune system. What does the future hold for Cuban children under these conditions?
References
Anemia in Children under Five Years Old in Eastern Cuba. (2005).
Cibercuba. (2023). On powdered milk production and its distribution conditions in Cuba.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Iron-Deficiency Anemia.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Iron-Deficiency Anemia – Symptoms and Causes.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Childhood.
Pita, G., & Jiménez, S. (2006–2007). Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Cuba’s Child Population: Gaps to Close.
Pita Rodríguez, G. M., et al. (2023). Anemia, Iron Deficiency, and Associated Factors in Cuban Children Aged 6 to 59 Months. Cuban Public Health Journal.
Scielo. Fortified Powdered Milk and Its Impact on Nutrition.
UN Food Assistance Program Study (2015). Reducing Anemia in Eastern Cuba through UN Food Assistance Programs.
Original article in Spanish: ForesightCuba