Other findings show a slight drop in the rate of anemia, a sign of diets deficient in iron, among young low-income children. About 18 percent of babies were anemic in 1997, compared to 19.4 percent in 1989. The scientists also found anemia affects one in four black children. Anemia rates rose among black children during the study period, from about 21 percent to 24.6 percent. This was the highest rate seen in any of the groups studied, which included American Indians, Alaska natives, Asian and Pacific Islanders, whites and Hispanics.
Iron deficiency leads to behavior and learning problems, the scientists say.
It is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. The scientists also found that breast feeding rates have risen substantially, from 35 percent in 1989 to 46 percent in 1997. The CDC report monitored children participating in federally funded studies in 42 states, the District of Columbia and seven tribal governments. Data were compiled from 8 million visits to pediatricians. K Fl gstad .