Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and
risk factors of anemia among adolescents in Denizli where Mediterranean
cuisine (fresh fruit and vegetables) is adopted. Methods: We accepted
hemoglobin values below 12 g/dl for girls and 13 g/dl for boys as the
criteria of anemia. We recorded a detailed history including
nutritional habits, consumption of animal source foods especially red
meat, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, presence of parasitic
infestation, psychosocial status, school success and any materials
consumed except ordinary food. Findings: We investigated the prevalence
of anemia in 1120 children (672 girls and 448 boys), aged 12 to 16
years. We found that the overall prevalence of anemia was 5.6%. 8.3% of
the girls and 1.6% of the boys were anemic. We diagnosed iron
deficiency anemia in 37(59%) anemic patients and combined iron
deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in 26 (41%) anemic
patients. None of the patients had folic acid deficiency. Conclusion:
Our results suggest that the socioeconomic status of the family,
traditional eating habits of the region, the fear of gaining weight and
irregular eating habits are of great importance in the development of
adolescent anemia in Denizli