Anaemia, iron and vitamin A status among South African school-aged children living with and without HIV

Background. Data on iron and vitamin A deficiency are scarce in school-aged children living with HIV (HIV+) compared without (HIV–). Both deficiencies can contribute to anaemia.
 Objective. To assess anaemia, status a sample of HIV+ HIV– South Africa.
 Methods. In this comparative cross-sectional study, biomarkers for anaemia (haemoglobin), (plasma ferritin (PF), soluble transferrin receptor), (retinol-binding protein (RBP)) inflammatory (C-reactive protein, α-1-acid glycoprotein) were measured 8 - 13-year-old from Cape Town (n=143) (n=148). Measurements PF RBP adjusted inflammation using regression-correction approach.
 Results. had higher prevalences (29% v. 14%; odds ratio (OR) = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4 4.9; p=0.002), iron-deficient erythropoiesis (20% 9%; OR=2.5; CI 1.2 5.0; p=0.013) (11% 4%; OR=2.9; 1.1 7.7; p=0.035) than children. Marginal was noted 52% 57% (p=0.711). Subclinical more prevalent (p=0.012).
 Conclusion. Anaemia, Prevalence marginal high both groups. Efforts improve micronutrient mitigate nutritional determinants resource-limited settings should be prioritised.