| Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 12M.3.SL.TZ1.1 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | Identify | Question number | 1 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) are important components of a healthy diet. These nutrients are necessary for the production of the red blood cells in the body that transport oxygen to the tissues. Deficiency of any of these nutrients can lead to anemia, a condition that causes weakness, tiredness and shortness of breath.
In a study of the Piaroa, a population living in a remote area of Venezuela, investigators discovered very high levels of anemia, especially amongst young children and females of childbearing age. The table below shows the incidence of anemia and deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in this population, as a percentage.
Identify the nutrient that is least likely to be deficient in a 45-year-old male in the Piaroa population.
Identify the age and sex of the group that suffers from the least amount of anemia in the Piaroa population.
Compare the data for the three nutrients in 11–20-year-old females with the data for 11–20-year-old males.
The data in the table indicates differences in the incidence of anemia between males and females. Suggest possible causes of these differences.
Markscheme
iron
21– 40-year-old males
more females than males have iron deficiency (55 %/25 %);
very small difference / 2 % difference between males and females for vitamin B12 deficiency and folic acid deficiency;
Allow valid numerical comparisons.
Accept reverse argument for first point.
females lose blood while menstruating;
extra nutrients needed while pregnant;
extra nutrients needed while breastfeeding;
differences in diet/vegetarian/vegan / low ferretin levels;
males receive more food than females/perceived to have greater need/status;
Examiners report
Most candidates gave the correct answer.
The majority were able to identify the correct group of individuals.
Most candidates could state that more females than males had iron deficiency anaemia, but many did not state that there was only a very small difference between males and females for B12 deficiency and folic acid deficiency.
Many candidates gained the two marks, but there were a lot of vague answers which did not gain credit. Students do need to try and be specific when suggesting possible answers.
