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espanolObjetivo. Comparar la proporcion de mujeres de 20 a 49 anos con anemia por deficiencia de hierro (ADH), con defi-ciencia de hierro (DH) con deficiencia de hierro sin anemia (DHSA) y anemia no DH (ANDH) durante 2006, 2012 y 2018, y sus asociaciones con caracteristicas sociodemograficas y estado nutricional. Material y metodos. Las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud y Nutricion de 2006, 2012 y 2018-19 usan metodos comparables para medir anemia (hemoglobina capilar) y deficiencia de hierro (DH, ferritina serica). Ambas mediciones combinadas se compararon por ano de encuesta y variables de control mediante regresion multinomial. Resultados. En 2006 la prevalencia global de anemia fue de 14.9% y DH de 29.0%, la de ADH de 8.35%, la de DHSA 20.5%, y ANDH 6.6%; en 2012 la prevalencia global de anemia fue de 13.3%, la de DH 29.6%, de ADH 8.6%, DHSA 21.0% y ANDH 4.7%; en 2018 prevalencia global de anemia fue de 21.4%, de DH 25.7%, ADH 10.5%, 15.2% y ANDH 10.9%. Conclusiones. La presencia global de anemia aumento 6.5 pp entre 2006 y 2018; la de DHSA disminuyo; ADH no tuvo cambios significativos y el aumento mayor fue de ANDH. EnglishObjective. To compare the prevalence of women 20-49 years of age with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron deficiency with no anemia (IDNA), and non-ID anemia (NIDA) in com-parison during 2006, 2012 and 2018, and their association with sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional status. Materials andmethods. Ensanut 2006, 2012 and 2018-19 are comparable for measurements of anemia (hemoglobin) and Iron deficiency (ID, by ferritin). Both measurements combined were compared with year of surveys and other dependent variables using a multinomial regression. Results.In 2006, the total prevalence of anemia was 14.9% and ID 29.0%, the prevalence of IDA was 8.35%, of IDNA 20.5%, and NIDA 6.6%; in 2012, the total prevalence of anemia was 13.3%, ID was 9.6%, IDA 8.6%, IDNA 21.0% y NIDA 4.7%; in 2018 total prevalence of anemia was 21.4%, of ID 25.7%, IDA 10.5%, IDNA 15.2% and NIDA 10.9%. Conclusions. total prevalence of anemia increased 6.5 pp between 2006 and 2018, IDNA reduced, IDA had no significant changes, the mayor increase (4.3 pp) occurred in NIDA.

Objective. To study the behavior of anemia in 2006, 2012 and 2018-19, its severity and associated factors in Mexican women between 20 and 49 years of age. Materials and methods. The Ensanut 2006, 2012 and 2018-19 has a methodological design that allows comparisons between them. Capillary hemoglobin (Hb) classified anemia with Hb values

To estimate the prevalence and distribution of anemia in Mexican women and their association with sociodemographic factors and diet diversity.We analyzed information of women in childbearing age. The Ensanut 100k is a probabilistic survey that overrepresents households with less economic capacity. Anemia was estimated using hemoglobin concentration. We collected sociodemographic and health information, food insecurity, and dietary diversity.34.3% of the women presented anemia, belong to tertile 3 of welfare status is a protective factor for anemia (OR= 0.26, 95%CI 0.16-0.61), and living in a household with food security, as well as high diversity of the diet in rural women (OR= 0.57, 95%CI 0.36-0.92).It is necessary to implement actions of detection and early attention of the anemia in women in childbearing age, identification of its underlying causes, strengthening and reformulation of strategies to prevent it.Estimar la prevalencia y distribución de anemia en mujeres mexicanas y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos y la diversidad de la dieta.Se incluyeron mujeres en edad fértil de la encuesta probabilística Ensanut 100k, que representa a los hogares con menos capacidades económicas. Se estimó la prevalencia de anemia mediante concentración de hemoglobina, con información sociodemográfica, de salud, inseguridad alimentaria y diversidad de la dieta.El 34.3% de las mujeres presentó anemia; los factores protectores para anemia fueron pertenecer al tercil 3 de condición de bienestar (OR=0.26, IC95% 0.16-0.61), alta diversidad de la dieta en áreas rurales (OR=0.57, IC95%0.36-0.92), así como vivir en un hogar con seguridad alimentaria.Es necesario implementar acciones de detección y atención temprana de la anemia en las mujeres de edad fértil, así como identificar las causas subyacentes y fortalecer y reformular estrategias para prevenirla.

Background Despite positive nutrition impacts, the prevalence of malnutrition among beneficiaries of Mexico's conditional cash transfer (CCT) program remains high. Greater nutrition impact may have been constrained by the type of nutritional supplements provided. Objective The objective of this study was to inform a potential modification to the supplements distributed to pregnant and lactating women and children. Methods Impact was assessed using 2 cluster-randomized trials (pregnant women, children) run simultaneously. Communities (n = 54) were randomly assigned to the fortified foods provided by the program (Nutrivida women, Nutrisano children) or alternatives: tablets (women), syrup (children), or micronutrient powders for women (MNP-W) and children (MNP-C). Each supplement for women/children contained the same micronutrients based on the formulations of Nutrivida and Nutrisano, respectively. Pregnant women (aged >18 y) were recruited before 25 weeks of gestation and followed to 3 mo postpartum. Children aged 6–12 mo were recruited and followed to age 24 mo. Primary outcomes were anemia for women and length growth for children. Statistical analyses appropriate for cluster-randomized designs were used, and structural equation modeling to estimate dose-response effects. Supplement costs per beneficiary (daily dose for 18 mo) were estimated for production and distribution. Results There was no significant difference in change of anemia prevalence between supplement groups in women, or in length growth between groups in children. One daily dose of any supplement was associated with 0.8 cm greater length growth. From baseline to age 24 mo, the prevalence of anemia in the Nutrisano, syrup, and MNP-C groups decreased by 36.7, 40.8, and 37.9 percentage points, respectively (within-group, P < 0.05; between groups, P > 0.05). Costs per beneficiary ranged from $12.1 (MNP-C) to $94.8 (Nutrivida). Conclusions The CCT program could distribute alternative supplements at lower cost per beneficiary without compromising potential for impact. Acceptance among beneficiaries should also be considered in choice of alternatives. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00531674.

To study the behavior of anemia in 2006, 2012 and 2018-19, its severity and associated factors in Mexican women between 20 and 49 years of age.The Ensanut 2006, 2012 and 2018-19 has a methodological design that allows comparisons between them. Capillary hemoglobin (Hb) classified anemia with Hb values12dL. Pregnant women were excluded. Anemia was associated with individual and sociodemographic factors using a logit regression model.The reduction in anemia from 2006 to 2012 was significant, but not the increase for 2018-19. Anemia was associated with a higher number of pregnancies, and being 35 to 49 years of age. A BMI≥30 (k/m2), tertile 3 of wellness condition, not being indigenous and living in the Center and Mexico City were protective of anemia.Anemia continues to be a public health problem, especially in women 35 to 49 years of age with more than four pregnancies.Estudiar el comportamiento de la anemia en los años 2006, 2012 y 2018-19, su severidad y factores asociados en mujeres mexicanas de 20 a 49 años de edad.Las Ensanut 2006, 2012 y 2018-19 tienen un diseño metodológico que permite comparaciones entre ellas. Mediante hemoglobina capilar12dL se clasificó anemia. Se excluyó a quienes estuvieron embarazadas. Se asoció anemia con factores sociodemográficos mediante regresión logística.La reducción de anemia de 2006 a 2012 fue significativa, pero no el incremento para 2018-19. Se asoció anemia con un mayor número de embarazos, y tener de 35 a 49 años de edad. Fueron factores protectores de anemia un IMC≥30(k/m2), tercil 3 de CB, no ser indígena y vivir en Cen-tro y Ciudad de México.La anemia continúa siendo un problema de salud pública, sobre todo en mujeres de 35 a 49 años de edad con más de cuatro embarazos.

To analyze the association between supplements and Liconsa milk intake, with anemia, zinc (ZD) and iron (ID) deficiencies, and morbidity in Mexican children resident of less than 100 000 habitants' localities.A subsample of 1 516 children aged 1-4 participants of Ensanut 100k was analyzed, carried out in 2018. Anemia was considered if [Hb]11 g/dL, ZD if [Zn]65 µg/dL and ID if [ferritin]12 µg/L. Supplements and Liconsa milk consumption were obtained from a semi-quantitative food frequency; morbidity by self-report of the mother. Multiple logistic regression models were used adjusted by confounders.Medium and high consumption of Liconsa milk was associated to lower odds of ID (OR=0.02, [95%CI 0.002,0.24] and OR=0.07, [95%CI 0.01,0.52]) and anemia (OR=0.13, [95%CI 0.04,0.37] and OR=0.17, [95%CI 0.03,0.87]). A high intake of Liconsa milk (OR=0.09, [95%CI 0.01,0.44]) and Vitaniño (OR=0.05 [95%CI 0.005, 0.46]) were both associated to lower diarrhea risk.To assure the continuity of the consumption of nutritional supplements is necessary for improving the health and the micronutrients status in vulnerable Mexican children.Analizar la asociación entre el consumo de suplementos o leche Liconsa y anemia, deficiencias de zinc (DZ) y hierro (DH) y morbilidad en niños mexicanos residentes de localidades menores a 100 000 habitantes.Se analizó información de 1 516 niños de 1 a 4 años de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición en localidades con menos de 100 000 habitantes realizada en el año 2018. Se definió Anemia si [Hb]11 g/dL, DZ: [Zn]65 µg/dL y DH: [ferritina]12 µg/L. El consumo de suplementos y de leche Liconsa se obtuvo del cuestionario de Frecuencia de Consumo de Alimentos y morbilidad por autorreporte de la madre. Se emplearon modelos de regresión logística múltiple para el análisis de las asociaciones, ajustados por confusores.El consumo medio y alto de leche Liconsa se asoció con menor momio de DH (RM=0.02 [IC95% 0.002,0.24] y RM=0.07 [IC95% 0.01,0.52]) y anemia (RM=0.13 [IC95% 0.04,0.37] y RM=0.17 [IC95% 0.03,0.87]). Un alto consumo de leche Liconsa (RM=0.09, [IC95% 0.01,0.44]) y de Vitaniño (RM=0.05 [IC95% 0.005, 0.46]) se asoció con menor momio de diarrea.Es necesario considerar la continuidad del consumo de suplementos nutricionales para mejorar la salud y el estado de micronutrimentos en población infantil mexicana vulnerable.

To assess the association between household food insecurity (FI) and the presence of anaemia among Mexican children who were between 12 and 59 months old, and to determine whether this association differs by geographical regions. We analysed 7468 children of ages between 12 and 59 months, based on data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2012). Haemoglobin was measured in capillary blood. Household FI levels were defined according to the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale. An ordinal logistic regression model was developed to assess the relationship between FI and anaemia. The interaction between geographical regions and FI was determined. The highest proportion of anaemia occurred in children with severe household FI (24.3%), compared to those from households with food security (21.2%). Children from severe FI households have a higher adjusted prevalence of anaemia than those from households with food security. FI and anaemia were associated mainly among children residing in the southern region of Mexico. Our findings can contribute to a better understanding of FI and anaemia in children and to strengthen interventions to address these problems.

Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia y distribución de anemia en mujeres mexicanas y su asociación con factores socio­demográficos y la diversidad de la dieta. Material y mé­todos. Se incluyeron mujeres en edad fértil de la encuesta probabilística Ensanut 100k, que representa a los hogares con menos capacidades económicas. Se estimó la prevalencia de anemia mediante concentración de hemoglobina, con infor­mación sociodemográfica, de salud, inseguridad alimentaria y diversidad de la dieta. Resultados. El 34.3% de las mujeres presentó anemia; los factores protectores para anemia fueron pertenecer al tercil 3 de condición de bienestar (OR=0.26, IC95% 0.16-0.61), alta diversidad de la dieta en áreas rurales (OR=0.57, IC95%0.36-0.92), así como vivir en un hogar con seguridad alimentaria. Conclusiones. Es necesario implementar acciones de detección y atención temprana de la anemia en las mujeres de edad fértil, así como identificar las causas subyacentes y fortalecer y reformular estrategias para prevenirla.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of undernutrition and anemia in indigenous and non-indigenous children 0.05). The prevalence of anemia in indigenous children was one third greater than in non-indigenous children at the national level (p0.05) in rural areas. These differences were reduced to about half when adjusting for SES but remained significantly higher in indigenous children (pOBJETIVO: Comparar las prevalencias de desnutrición y anemia en niños indígenas y no indígenas menores de cinco años de edad en el ámbito nacional, por región, por zonas urbanas y rurales, y evaluar en qué medida la condición socioeconómica de la familia predice las diferencias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta nacional probabilística en 1999 en México. Las familias indígenas fueron identificadas como aquellas en las cuales al menos una mujer entre 12 y 49 años de edad en el hogar hablara una lengua indígena. Las prevalencias de desnutrición (baja talla, emaciación y bajo peso) y anemia fueron comparadas entre niños indígenas y no indígenas. Se utilizaron razones de probabilidad para comparar prevalencias ajustando por las condiciones socioeconómicas de la familia y por otras variables. RESULTADOS: Las prevalencias de baja talla y de bajo peso fueron mayores en indígenas que en no indígenas. En el ámbito nacional y en zonas urbanas las prevalencias fueron casi tres veces mayores, mientras que en zonas rurales fueron ~2 veces mayores (p0.05). La prevalencia de anemia en indígenas fue un tercio mayor que en no indígenas en el ámbito nacional (p 0.05). Estas diferencias se redujeron aproximadamente a la mitad al ajustar por las condiciones socioeconómicas, pero continuaron siendo significativamente superiores en niños indígenas (p

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution of anemia in children, based on information from Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006 (ENSANUT 2006) and Mexican National Nutrition Survey 1999 (ENN-99), and examine the association of anemia with potentially explanatory variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adjusted prevalence and means as well as associations with potentially explanatory variables were assessed by multiple linear and logistic regression models for complex samples. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2006, the prevalence of anemia decreased 13.8 percentage points (pp) in toddlers and 7.8 pp in children 24-35 months of age; it also decreased 0.7 pp/year in urban and rural populations, 1.8 pp/year in indigenous and 0.61 pp/year in non-indigenous toddlers, 1.5 pp/year in children 5-8 years of age and 0.78 pp/year in children 9-11 years of age. In toddlers served by Oportunidades, Hb was inversely associated with indigenous ethnicity (p=0.1) and they had a lower risk of anemia (OR=0.002). In school-age children, age (OR=0.98), affiliation to Liconsa (OR=0.42) and living in the central region (OR=0.56) were protective factors for anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The national prevalence of anemia in Mexico has decreased in the past seven years, especially in toddlers. Being a beneficiary of Liconsa or Oportunidades was protective for anemia.OBJETIVO: Comparar la distribución de la anemia en niños con base en la información de la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición 2006 (ENSANUT 2006) y la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición 1999 (ENN99). Asimismo, examinar la asociación de la anemia con variables potencialmente explicativas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se calcularon las prevalencias y las medias ajustadas, así como las asociaciones mediante modelos de regresión múltiple lineal y logística para muestras complejas. RESULTADOS: Entre 1999 y 2006 la anemia disminuyó 13.8 puntos porcentuales (pp) en lactantes de 12-23 meses de edad y 7.8 pp en los de 24-35; 0.7 pp/año en prescolares urbanos y rurales, 1.8 pp/año en indígenas y 0.61 pp/año en no indígenas; 1.5 pp/año en niños de 5-8 años y 0.78 pp/año en los de 9-11 años. En preescolares beneficiarios de Oportunidades la Hb se asoció negativamente con indigenismo (p=0.1) y tuvieron un riesgo menor para anemia (OR=0.002). En niños escolares la edad (OR=0.98), ser beneficiario de Liconsa (OR=0.42) y vivir en la región centro (OR=0.56) resultaron ser factores protectores contra la anemia. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de anemia disminuyó en México durante los pasados siete años, especialmente en lactantes. Ser beneficiario de Oportunidades y de Liconsa fue protector para el riesgo de anemia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution of anemia in children, based on information from Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006 (ENSANUT 2006) and Mexican National Nutrition Survey 1999 (ENN-99), and examine the association of anemia with potentially explanatory variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adjusted prevalence and means as well as associations with potentially explanatory variables were assessed by multiple linear and logistic regression models for complex samples. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2006, the prevalence of anemia decreased 13.8 percentage points (pp) in toddlers and 7.8 pp in children 24-35 months of age; it also decreased 0.7 pp/year in urban and rural populations, 1.8 pp/year in indigenous and 0.61 pp/year in non-indigenous toddlers, 1.5 pp/year in children 5-8 years of age and 0.78 pp/year in children 9-11 years of age. In toddlers served by Oportunidades, Hb was inversely associated with indigenous ethnicity (p=0.1) and they had a lower risk of anemia (OR=0.002). In school-age children, age (OR=0.98), affiliation to Liconsa (OR=0.42) and living in the central region (OR=0.56) were protective factors for anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The national prevalence of anemia in Mexico has decreased in the past seven years, especially in toddlers. Being a beneficiary of Liconsa or Oportunidades was protective for anemia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of anemia in Mexican women and analyze its trends with information from the last two national nutrition surveys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of anemia in women was analyzed. Anemia was adjusted by socioeconomic profile and by potentially explanatory variables. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia for pregnant women was 20.2% (95% CI 15.9, 26.2%) and 15.5% for non-pregnant women (95% CI 14.7, 16.4%). The prevalence of anemia in women decreased from 1999 to 2006 in all socioeconomic profiles. Adolescent women living in the northern and in the southern regions had a greater risk of anemia than those in Mexico City (p= 0.05). Significant risk was found among low socioeconomic level (p< 0.06). Greater parity was a significant risk factor (p< 0.05) for being anemic. CONCLUSIONS: Although anemia in reproductive age women in Mexico decreased, it continues to be a public health problem.OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de anemia en mujeres y analizar su tendencia a través de las dos últimas encuestas nacionales de nutrición. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó la prevalencia de anemia en mujeres. La prevalencia de anemia se ajustó por perfil socioeconómico y por posibles variables que la expliquen. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia global de anemia fue de 20.2% (IC95% 15.9, 26.2%) para mujeres embarazadas y de 15.5% (IC95% 14.7, 16.4%) para mujeres no embarazadas. La prevalencia de anemia en mujeres disminuyó de 1999 a 2006 en todos los niveles socioeconómicos. Las mujeres adolescentes que viven en las regiones norte y sur tuvieron mayor riesgo de anemia que las que viven en la Ciudad de México (p= 0.05). Se encontró un riesgo significativo asociado con el nivel socioeconómico bajo (p< 0.06). La mayor paridad resultó ser un factor de riesgo significativo (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: Aun cuando la presencia de anemia en mujeres en edad reproductiva en México ha disminuido, continúa siendo un problema de salud pública.

The objectives of this analysis are to identify the types of nutritional supplements (NS) commonly used and explore the associations between NS consumption and socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status, measured as BMI, and anemia in a nationally representative sample Mexican women aged 12 to 49 years (n = 15,936) who participated in the Mexican National Nutrition Survey in 1999. Data on NS consumption and the other characteristics of interest were collected. We calculated the probability (P) of supplement consumption using logistic regression. For the statistical analysis characteristics at the individual and household level were included in the statistical models, and adjusted for the study design. Interaction effects were also explored. Multiple mixed vitamin and mineral supplements were the most commonly consumed (36.7%) followed by vitamins only (34.3%). Married women were significantly (p0.05) more likely (P = 0.16; p0.001) to consume NS compared to unmarried women, as were those with more access to public and private health care (P = 0.18; p = 0.010), with higher education level (P = 0.20; p = 0.004) and living in the South region (P = 0.20; p = 0.003). Anemia modified the association between supplement consumption and socioeconomic status (SES) (p = 0.016), non anemic women having greater probabilities of NS consumption. These results suggest that NS use among Mexican women is associated with better living conditions. On the other hand, we also found that women living in the South region, the poorest region of the country, had higher probability of NS consumption compared to the North region. This could be related to participation in food assistance programs; however we were unable to explore this potential explanation. This information will be used to further study trends, risks and health benefits in this population of the use of nutritional supplements.

Background Universal fortification of staple foods with iron has been widely promoted as a cost-effective strategy to reduce iron deficiency in developing-country populations. Nonetheless, relatively few efficacy trials have been reported to date to demonstrate impact on iron status. The Ultra Rice technology provides a means of delivering fortificant iron via rice. Objective The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of rice fortified with microencapsulated, micronized iron pyrophosphate to improve the iron status of women in Mexico in a randomized, controlled intervention trial. Methods Nonpregnant, nonlactating women 18 to 49 years of age were recruited from six factories. The women received a daily portion of cooked rice 5 days per week for a period of 6 months, before and after which iron status indicators were determined in venous blood samples. Results The average intake of iron from the fortificant was 13 mg/day. Mean plasma ferritin concentration and estimated body iron stores were significantly higher, and transferrin receptors were lower, in the iron-fortified rice group following the intervention. Mean hemoglobin concentration also increased in the treatment group, but the increase was significant only when the analysis was restricted to those with baseline hemoglobin < 12.8 g/dL. The absolute reduction in anemia and iron deficiency was 10.3 and 15.1 percentage points, respectively. Total iron intake from fortificant was a significant covariate of change in body iron stores. The overall prevalence of anemia was reduced by 80%. Conclusions Fortification of rice with iron using this technology is an efficacious strategy for preventing iron deficiency.

Objective. To describe the prevalence of anemia in Mexican women and analyze its trends with information from the last two national nutrition surveys. Material and methods. The prevalence of anemia in women was analyzed. Anemia was adjusted by socioeconomic profile and by potentially explanatory variables. Results. The overall prevalence of anemia for pregnant women was 20.2% (95% CI 15.9, 26.2%) and 15.5% for non-pregnant women (95% CI 14.7, 16.4%). The prevalence of anemia in women decreased from 1999 to 2006 in all socioeconomic profiles. Adolescent women living in the northern and in the southern regions had a greater risk of anemia than those in Mexico City (p= 0.05). Significant risk was found among low socioeconomic level (p< 0.06). Greater parity was a significant risk factor ( p< 0.05) for being anemic. Conclusions. Although anemia in reproductive age women in Mexico decreased, it continues to be a public health problem.

To assess the comparability of hemoglobin concentration (Hb) in venous and capillary blood measured by Hemocue and an automated spectrophotometer (Celldyn) and to document the influence of type of blood (capillary or venous) and analysis method on anemia prevalence estimates.Between February and May 2000, capillary and venous samples were collected from 72 adults and children at Hospital del Niño Morelense (Morelos State Children's Hospital) in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, and assessed for Hb using the Hemocue and Celldyn methods. Estimated Hb levels were compared using the concordance correlation coefficient and Student's t test for paired data. The sensitivity and specificity for anemia diagnosis were estimated and compared between type of blood and method of assessment.Capillary blood had higher Hb (+0.5 g/dl) than venous blood in adults and children, as did samples assessed by Celldyn compared to Hemocue (+0.3 g/dl). Specificity to detect anemia was adequate (0.90) but sensitivity was low for capillary blood assessed by Hemocue (0.80).The difference in Hb between venous and capillary blood is likely related to biological variability. Hemoglobin concentration in capillary blood assessed by Hemocue provides an adequate estimation of population anemia prevalence but may result in excess false negative diagnoses among individuals. The results of this study stress the importance of sample collection technique, particularly for children. Method of analysis and sampling site need to be taken into consideration in field studies. The English version of this paper is available too at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Objective. To compare the prevalence of undernutrition and anemia in indigenous and non-indigenous children 5 years of age at the national level, by region and by urban and rural areas, and to evaluate the degree to which the socioeconomic condition of the family predicts the differences. Material and Methods. A national probabilistic survey was conducted in Mexico in 1999. Indigenous families were identified as those in which at least one woman 12-49 years of age in the household spoke a native language. The prevalence of undernutrition (stunting, wasting and underweight) and anemia was compared between indigenous and nonindigenous children. Probability ratios (PR) were used to compare prevalences in indigenous and non-indigenous children adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES) of the family and for other covariates. Results. The prevalences of stunting and underweight were greater in indigenous than in nonindigenous children. At the national level and in urban areas the prevalences were three times greater and in rural areas ~2 times greater (p0.05). No differences were found in the prevalence of wasting (p0.05). The prevalence of anemia in indigenous children was one third greater than in non-indigenous children at the national level (p0.05) and was between 30 and 60% greater in urban areas and in the regions studied (p0.05) but was not statistically significant (p0.05) in rural areas. These differences were reduced to about half when adjusting for SES but remained significantly higher in indigenous children (p0.05). Conclusions. Indigenous children have higher probabilities of stunting and underweight than non-indigenous children. The differences are larger in urban areas and in higher socioeconomic geographic regions and are explained mostly by socioeconomic factors. The overall difference in the probability of anemia is small, is higher only in urban relative to rural areas, and is explained to a lesser degree by socioeconomic factors. Policy and programs should be designed and implemented to reduce the dramatic differences in nutritional status between indigenous and non-indigenous children in Mexico. The English version of this paper is available too at: http:// www.insp.mx/salud/index.html