Is Food Insecurity Associated With Iron Deficiency Anemia and Vitamin D Deficiency Among Women of Reproductive Age?

This cross-sectional study assessed the association between household food insecurity (HFI) and anemia, iron deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency among women of reproductive age. The HFI status was assessed using a short form of the Household Food Security Scale questionnaire, and the serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and vitamin D levels were measured using the ELISA method. About 67.3% of the population was food insecure. There was a positive association between HFI and anemia (2.57; 95% CI, 1.02-7.17). However, the association between HFI and serum vitamin D and iron deficiency was not statistically significant. Further prospective research is needed to confirm these observations.