[Deficiency anemias in tropical countries].

Nutritional anaemias are common in tropical areas. The commonest cause is iron deficiency, which mainly arises from impaired absorption of iron from food. Substances which inhibit iron absorption in various diets play an important role in the pathogenesis of iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency is further aggravated by blood loss in hook-worm infestation. Folic acid and vitamin B 12 deficiency are less important causes of nutritional anaemia. The efforts of the World Health Organization to supplement iron in food are described.