Hemoglobin comparisons in a sample of European and African American children

Many of the studies comparing the hemoglobin (Hb) values of African Americans and European Americans have been conducted on adults and have been drawn from the national databases. This study compares ethnic differences in Hb levels in a sample of children, 0–6 years of age, participating in the Womens Infants and Children's Program in the State of Maryland. European American children had a 0.4 g/dl higher mean Hb value than did African American children. However, this difference was not evident in every age category compared. Black children less than 6 months of age had a 0.5 g/dl higher mean Hb value. All mean Hb differences were less than 0.7 g/dl. The data and discussion favor a nongenetic or “racial” cause for observed differences.

Key words:

• Ethnic differences
• hemoglobin
• nutrition
• hemoglobin survey