Prevalence of Anemia Across the Lifespan
Anemia in Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Anemia prevalence shows a distinct pattern in younger age groups. In infants and toddlers, iron deficiency is a leading cause, often linked to low birth weight, premature birth, and feeding practices like prolonged, unfortified breastfeeding. A 2022 Canadian study noted that the prevalence of anemia among Canadian infants was 13.2%. For children ages 2–11, recent U.S. data reveals the lowest prevalence at 4.7%. However, as children enter adolescence, particularly girls who begin menstruation, the risk of anemia increases. During 2021–2023, U.S. adolescent girls aged 12–19 showed a significantly higher anemia prevalence (17.4%) compared to males in the same age group (0.9%).
Anemia in Adulthood
Prevalence rates continue to reflect a difference between sexes throughout much of adulthood. For adults aged 20–59, the overall prevalence was 9.0%, but it was considerably higher in women (14.0%) than in men (3.9%). For many women, this higher prevalence is related to menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, and other factors tied to reproductive health. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women globally remains a concern, with rates often higher than in non-pregnant women. After menopause, the sex-based difference in anemia rates diminishes.
Anemia in Older Adults
The highest prevalence of anemia is found in adults aged 60 and older. This is a critical area of concern, as older adults are more susceptible to the detrimental health effects of anemia. Recent U.S. data shows that 12.5% of adults aged 60 and over are anemic. Research also indicates that the prevalence continues to climb with increasing age, potentially affecting more than 20% of those aged 85 and older. Older adults living in institutional settings, such as nursing homes, face an even greater risk, with studies reporting prevalence rates as high as 31–50%. Importantly, health experts emphasize that anemia should not be considered a normal consequence of aging but rather a sign of an underlying health problem.
Key Factors Influencing Anemia Prevalence
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate is a common cause of anemia across all ages. This is particularly relevant for infants and toddlers due to rapid growth, and for older adults whose dietary patterns or chronic medication use may interfere with absorption.
- Chronic Diseases: In older adults, anemia is often a complication of chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), inflammatory diseases, congestive heart failure, and various cancers.
- Gastrointestinal Blood Loss: Occult or chronic bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a frequent cause of iron deficiency anemia, especially in older individuals. Causes range from peptic ulcers and gastritis (sometimes due to NSAID use) to GI malignancies and angiodysplasia.
- Age-Related Changes: Normal aging can affect the body's ability to produce red blood cells and respond to physiological signals, like erythropoietin, contributing to higher anemia rates in the elderly.
- Unexplained Anemia of Aging (UAA): A significant portion of anemia cases in older adults (up to one-third) have no clear underlying cause, even after thorough evaluation.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Studies consistently show that lower family income is associated with a higher prevalence of anemia across age and sex groups.
Comparing Anemia Prevalence and Causes Across Age Groups
| Age Group | Key U.S. Prevalence Statistics (2021-2023) | Primary Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Infants & Toddlers (<2) | Not reported in CDC 2024 data (2+ only) | Iron deficiency (most common), low birth weight, prolonged unfortified breastfeeding |
| Children (2–11) | 4.7% overall | Nutritional deficiencies, primarily iron deficiency |
| Adolescents (12–19) | 17.4% (females) vs. 0.9% (males) | Nutritional deficiencies (iron), reproductive factors, chronic conditions |
| Adults (20–59) | 14.0% (females) vs. 3.9% (males) | Nutritional deficiencies, reproductive factors, chronic disease |
| Older Adults (60+) | 12.5% overall (rising significantly with advanced age) | Chronic inflammation/disease, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal bleeding, UAA |
The Health Consequences of Anemia at Different Ages
While anemia can affect anyone, its consequences can be particularly serious for the very young and the very old. In infants and toddlers, severe iron deficiency anemia has been linked to long-term, potentially irreversible cognitive and socioemotional developmental impacts. For older adults, the effects are extensive and often overlooked because symptoms are mistaken for normal aging.
Health Impacts in Older Adults
- Increased Morbidity and Mortality: Even mild anemia is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and death in older adults.
- Functional Decline: Anemia is linked to reduced mobility, decreased muscle strength, poor balance, and an inability to perform daily activities.
- Increased Risk of Falls: Older adults with anemia are significantly more likely to experience falls, which can lead to serious injuries and higher healthcare costs.
- Cognitive Impairment: Studies have shown an association between anemia and cognitive decline, including dementia.
- Exacerbated Comorbidities: Anemia can worsen existing conditions like cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion: Anemia is Not a Trivial Concern
Anemia is a prevalent and complex health issue, with prevalence varying substantially across the human lifespan. It is particularly common in young children and older adults, with distinct contributing factors and health consequences at each stage. While iron deficiency is often the culprit in the young, a broader range of chronic conditions and physiological changes contribute in the elderly. The severe health risks associated with anemia in older adults underscore the importance of proper diagnosis and management, dispelling the myth that it is an inevitable part of aging. Early detection and treatment can significantly mitigate the negative impacts and improve overall quality of life for all age groups.
To learn more about anemia and specific age-related concerns, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
