We estimated the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women 1-year postpartum in central Montreal. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture and questionnaires administered. Iron intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Mothers with at least two of the following laboratory values were considered to have IDA: serum ferritin (SF) < 12 mug/L, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) < 80 fL and hemoglobin (Hb) < 120 g/L. Blood samples were analysed for 201 women. The estimates of prevalence of anemia (Hb < 120 g/L), iron deficiency (SF < 12 mug/L) and IDA were 7.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8%-10.9%), 5.5% (95% CI 2.5%-8.9%) and 2.5% (95% CI 0.3%-4.7%) respectively. No significant differences were observed between level of income and anemia, iron deficiency and IDA rates. Anemia was not related to dietary iron intake. In conclusion, the prevalence of IDA is low among healthy women 1-year postpartum in central Montreal.

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