Maria Cecília Cougo Mesquita

Mrs. Maria Cecília Cougo Mesquita

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 October 2024 in Nutrients
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Journal Article
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MMMaria Cecília Cougo Mesquita
Maria Cecília Cougo Mesquita
RCRafaela Martins de Castro
Rafaela Martins de Castro
TMTalissa Mendes
Talissa Mendes
MCMariana Araújo Vieira Do Carmo
Mariana Araújo Vieira Do Carmo
ESEliza de Souza Sampaio
Eliza de Souza Sampaio
TBTabatta Renata Pereira de Brito
Tabatta Renata Pereira de Brito
Background/Objectives: Studies have shown a high prevalence of anemia and vitamin D insufficiency in older adults, and the literature suggests a relationship between these two conditions, as vitamin D insufficiency may impair erythrocyte synthesis. Food insecurity refers to the lack of regular access to sufficient and nutritious food, which can directly affect health by worsening conditions such as anemia and vitamin D insufficiency. This study evaluated the association between vitamin D insufficiency and anemia in older adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 430 individuals aged 60 and older, using personal interviews and blood tests for data collection. Anemia was identified with serum hemoglobin levels of <12 g/dL for women and <13 g/dL for men, while vitamin D insufficiency was defined as serum levels <30 ng/mL. We used multiple logistic regression to analyze associations through Stata version 17.0 software. Results: The prevalence of anemia was identified in 14.7% of the sample, and vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 63.5%. We found an association between vitamin D insufficiency and anemia (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.2–4.7). In the final model, factors such as male sex (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.5–4.9) and polypharmacy use (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0–3.9) were also associated, regardless of age group, food insecurity, and multimorbidity. Conclusions: Vitamin D insufficiency increased the likelihood of anemia among the older adults evaluated, suggesting that prevention and treatment strategies for anemia should consider vitamin D serum levels.