Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia Among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Klang Valley

@#Introduction: Sarcopenia is one of the geriatric syndromes affecting the ability of older adults to lead an independent living. However, its risk factors among Malaysian older adults are yet to be determined. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Klang Valley. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 393 Malaysians aged 60 and above, residing in urban areas of Klang Valley recruited through convenience sampling. Socio-demographic and food intake information were obtained using validated questionnaires. Cut-off points for sarcopenia screening were obtained from the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia(AWGS) while body impedance analysis(BIA) was employed to determine skeletal muscle index. A handgrip dynamometer was used to assess dominant handgrip strength and a 6-meter gait speed test was used to determine walking speed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors of sarcopenia. Results: Prevalence of sarcopenia was 33.6% and women(35.9%) were more affected compared to men(30.1%). The mean age of women assessed to have sarcopenia(69.1±6.5 years old) was higher compared to men(68.3±5.8 years old) (p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, older adults with one year increased in age and one mg decreased in habitual dietary iron intake were estimated to be 1.08 times and 0.93 times the chances to have sarcopenia respectively. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of community-dwelling older adults in Klang Valley were assessed to have sarcopenia. Older adults aged 60 years and above and those with low dietary iron intake were at an increased risk of developing sarcopenia.

Maternal micronutrient status as a risk factor for perinatal mortality in a Tanzanian randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study was to determine if maternal micronutrient status (specifically iron) during pregnancy is a risk factor for perinatal mortality among women in Tanzania. Secondary analysis of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled vitamin A supplementation trial conducted between August 2010-March 2013 was used to assess iron intake among women who experienced a stillbirth or early neonatal death. The mean dietary iron intake (measured using a quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire) for this population was 12.64 mg/day (SD = 6.32). There were 206 cases of perinatal mortality. Three classifications of dietary iron intake were devised and risk ratios were calculated using the Log Binomial Regression Model: <18 mg/day (RR: 2.13), 18-27 mg/day (RR: 2.63), & >27 mg/day (the reference group to which the first two classification groups were compared).There was neither a significant relationship found among women who consumed iron levels <18 mg/day or between 18-27 mg/day of iron compared to women who consumed more than 27 mg/day of iron, but on average there was twice the risk for perinatalmortality. The current study is consistent with previous literature findings and supports the need for more efficacious nutrition strategies. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 38-48).

Calcium and iron intakes of adolescents in Malaysia and their relationships with body mass index (BMI): Findings from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017

@#Introduction: Adolescent health is a priority considering they represent the future generation. Data from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017 were analysed to determine the prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy, particularly calcium and iron, and the relationship with body mass index (BMI) among Malaysian secondary school students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included students aged 13 to 17 years old studying at public and private schools. Twenty-four hours dietary recall via face-to-face interview was conducted by trained nutritionists to obtain data on dietary intake. For nutritional status, BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) was analysed using WHO Anthroplus software. Results: From 999 respondents, 449 were boys and 550 were girls. Overall findings indicated that both boys and girls had inadequate intakes of calcium and iron in their daily diet. Mean intakes of calcium (695.7±463.2 mg/day) and iron (23.4±21.0 mg/day) were higher among boys aged 16 to 17 years old. Mean intake of iron were higher among the older age groups. Majority of the respondents (boys: 94%; girls: 97%) did not meet the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for calcium and more than half (boys: 50%; girl: 80%) did not achieve the RNI for iron. Current findings also found significant positive but weak correlations between calcium (r=0.112, p=0.001) and iron (r=0.084, p=0.008) intakes with BMI-for-age. Conclusion: BMI-for-age was related to calcium and iron intakes among secondary school students in Malaysia. Thus, intervention strategies should focus on early screening and nutrition education on food choices of high calcium and high iron contents, including iron supplementation programmes, if needed.

Iron intake is positively associated with viral load in antiretroviral naïve Brazilian men living with HIV

BACKGROUND Iron homeostasis contribute for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES We assessed the iron intake pattern in antiretroviral naïve Brazilian men living with HIV correlating with clinical and nutritional parameters. METHODS The iron consumption mean was estimated according to a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and a 3-day food record (3dFR) submitted to the patients. HIV viral load, CD4+ T cell counts, serum iron, haematological and anthropometrics parameters were recorded. FINDINGS Fifty-one HIV-infected adult men naïve for antiretroviral therapy (ART) were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 35 (SEM ± 1.28) years old, with mean time of HIV-1 infection of 1.78 (0-16.36, min-max) years. Majority (41.18%) had complete secondary, and 21.57% had tertiary educational level. The income was around 1x (54.90%) to 2x (41.18%) minimum wage. Fifty-four percent showed normal weight, while 40% were overweight. The patients showed normal mean values of haematological parameters, and mean serum iron was 14.40 µM (SEM ± 0.83). The FFQ showed moderate correlation with the 3dFR (ρ = 0.5436, p = 0.0009), and the mean values of iron intake were 10.55(± 0.92) mg/day, recorded by FFQ, and 15.75(± 1.51) mg/day, recorded by 3dFR. The iron intake, recorded by FFQ, negatively correlated with serum iron (ρ = -0.3448, p = 0.0132), and did not have influence in the CD4+ T cell counts [e.B 0.99 (0.97-1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI), p = 0.2]. However, the iron intake showed a positive effect in HIV viral load [e.B 1.12 (1.02-1.25, 95%CI), p < 0.01]. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study draws attention for the importance of iron intake nutritional counseling in people living with HIV. However, more studies are required to clarify the association between high iron intake and HIV infection and outcome.

Ingesta de hierro y gen HFE en varones adultos de Buenos Aires / Iron intake and HFE gen in male adults from Buenos Aires

El consumo excesivo de hierro (Fe) en portadores de mutaciones en el gen HFE puede resultar en sobrecarga. Para evaluar el riesgo de sobrecarga de Fe fueron investigados 166 varones adultos donantes de sangre de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se estimó la ingesta diaria de Fe (IFe), de Fe hemínico y de Fe proveniente de harinas enriquecidas con SO4Fe. Se determinó ferritina sérica y porcentaje de saturación de transferrina (criterio de sobrecarga de Fe: ferritina sérica > 300 ng/ml y saturación de transferrina ≥ 50%). Las mutaciones C282Y, H63D y S65C fueron investigadas en sangre mediante PCR-RFLP. Todos los participantes cubrieron ampliamente el requerimiento estimado promedio de Fe (6 mg Fe/día) y 3.0% superó el máximo tolerable (45 mg Fe/día). El Fe hemínico correspondió al 9.4% de la IFe y el de harinas enriquecidas al 47.7%. Se observó una asociación entre el aumento de IFe y el de ferritina sérica (p = 0.0472), y el 2.3% de los donantes presentaron ferritina sérica > 300 ng/ml y saturación de transferrina ≥ 50%. El 29.3% de los donantes eran portadores de los genotipos H63D, S65C o C282Y, asociados a hemocromatosis hereditaria, y tenían valores de saturación de transferrina significativamente mayores a los de los donantes wild type (p = 0.0167). Si bien la incidencia clínica de hemocromatosis hereditaria fue baja en el grupo estudiado (1.2%), el consumo excesivo de Fe plantea un riesgo potencial para la salud de individuos que ignoran sus antecedentes familiares de sobrecarga de Fe.

Excess iron (Fe) intake in subjects carrying certain mutations in the HFE gene may result in Fe overload. To estimate risk of Fe overload, 166 male blood donors (19-65 years) from Buenos Aires city were investigated. Daily Fe intake (FeI), hem Fe intake, and Fe intake from SO4Fe enriched flours were estimated (SARA Computer Program and Food Composition Table, USDA). Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were determined; criteria for Fe overload was serum ferritin > 300 ng/ml and transferrin saturation ≥ 50%. HFE genotypes C282Y, H63D and S65C were analyzed by PCR-RFLP in blood samples. No participant presented FeI lower than the estimated average requirement (6 mg Fe/day) and 3.0% was over the upper level (45 mg Fe/day). Hem Fe and Fe from flour enrichment were 9.4% and 47.7% of daily Fe intake, respectively. A significant association was observed between the increase in serum ferritin (ng/ml) and the increase in FeI (p = 0.0472); 2.3% of the donors presented serum ferritin > 300 ng/ml and transferrin saturation ≥ 50%. Genotypes associated with hereditary hemochromatosis (H63D, S65C and C282Y) were found in 29.3% of the donors. The percentage of transferrin saturation was higher in subjects carrying mutation than in wild type subjects (p = 0.0167). Although penetrance of hereditary hemochromatosis in the studied group was only 1.2%, an excessive Fe intake could enhance adverse effects in individuals unaware of any family history of Fe overload.

The Association between Changes in Food and Nutrient Intakes and Changes in Bone Metabolic Indicators in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia after a 12-week Intervention of Nutrition Education and Aerobic Exercise / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Few studies investigated the effects of nutrition education and exercises in women with osteopenia. This study examined the relationship between changes in dietary intakes and changes in indicators related to bone health in postmenopausal women with osteopenia (-2.5 50 years residing in Seoul were recruited and participated in nutritional education regarding bone health and general nutrition practices and aerobic exercises (three times a week; 60 min per session). Twenty-five subjects completed the study and were eligible for the analysis. Bone mineral density (BMD) at femoral neck was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Serum calcium, osteocalcin, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also measured. Dietary intake was estimated by using a one-day 24 recall by a clinical dietitian. After 12 weeks, meat consumption increased (P = 0.028) but vegetable intake decreased (P = 0.005). Intakes of animal protein (P = 0.024), vitamin B1 (P = 0.012) and vitamin B2 (P = 0.047) increased, and sodium intake decreased (P = 0.033). Intact PTH (P = 0.002) decreased and osteocalcin (P = 0.000) increased, however, BMD decreased (P = 0.000). Changes in mushroom consumption were positively correlated with femoral neck BMD (r = 0.673, P = 0.003). Changes in animal iron intake were negatively correlated with intact PTH (r = -0.488, P = 0.013) but were positively correlated with osteocalcin (r = 0.541, P = 0.005). These results suggested that the association between animal iron intake and biochemical markers of bone turnover may play an important role in bone metabolism. Further studies are needed to shed light on complicated mechanisms of diet, hormonal levels of bone metabolism, and bone density.

Iron Intake and Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Young Women in Kuala Lumpur

Objective: To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency, anaemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women aged 20 to 40 years and its association with iron intake. Methods: A total of 388 women were recruited from universities and work sites in Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs. The subjects comprised 135 Malays, 130 Chinese and 123 Indians. Dietary intake was estimated using a single 24-hour food recall and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. HAemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin were determinated. Results: The prevalence of anaemia (Hb <12g/dL) was 20.9%,being highest among the Indians (26.4%) and lowest among the Malays (16.4%). About 10.3% of the women showed iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) (Hb<12g/dL + serum ferritin <15mg/L + MCV < 80fl/). The prevalence of IDA was highest in Indians (18.0%) followed by Chinese (9.9%) and Malays (4.3%). The mean (95% CI) intake of total iron was at 14.4mg/day (95% CI 13.4, 15.5), amounting to 49.7% of the Malaysian recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Intake of Iron was the highest for the Indians (16.0mg/d) and the lowest for the Chinese (11.3mg/d). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of IDA was lower compared to prevalence of anaemia. Nonetheless, the markedly higher prevalence of IDA among the Indians, despite relatively higher intake levels of iron-rich foods warrants further investigations, including the bioavailability of iron in the context of cultural practices that may influence food preferences and meal preparation

Relationship between Serum pro-hepcidin Concentration and Body Iron Status in Female College Students

Hepcidin, a peptide hormone synthesized mainly by the liver, has been implicated as a key regulator of iron homeostasis. Results from studies with experimental animal models suggested that hepcidin levels are related with body iron status, but little data is available in human subjects. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between serum pro-hepcidin levels, blood indexes of anemia, and dietary iron intake in female college students. Serum pro-hepcidin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in eighty-two women with 22.1 +/- 0.2 years old. Dietary intake data were collected by using the 24-hour recall method for 3 days. Mean concentrations of serum prohepcidin were 85.1 ng/ml +/- 6.1 (s.d.) with the range of 13.6 - 295.7 ng/ml. The median value of serum pro-hepcidin in the study subjects was 70.3 ng/ml. Serum pro-hepcidin concentrations were positively correlated with hemoglobin concentrations(r = 0.273, p = 0.013), and also with hematocrit (r = 0.291, p = 0.008). To examine whether the level of dietary iron intake affects serum pro-hepcidin levels, study subjects were divided into two groups according to the amounts of daily iron intake. Serum pro-hepcidin concentrations were 22% lower in groups with low iron intake ( 10.1 mg/day). In conclusion, these data, as in agreement with findings in mice, suggest that hepcidin plays an important role in regulating iron metabolism in the human body.

A Study on the Changes of Maternal Dietary Iron Intakes, Its Bioavailability, and Iron Status during Pregnancy / 대한지역사회영양학회지

To increase both iron and enhancers for iron absorption through diets should be a basic strategy to sufficiently provide increased iron for pregnancy. Previous studies reported that iron intakes of Korean pregnant women were short and their iron status deteriorated as pregnancy progressed. However, there is little data about the bioavailability of dietary iron during pregnancy. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the changes of dietary iron intakes, its bioa-vailability and iron status during pregnancy longitudinally in Korean women. A total of 151 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy voluntarily participated. Among them, 72 women finished the research protocol during the second trimester and 55 did it during the third trimester. Dietary intakes of total iron, both non-heme and heme iron, as well as enhancers, both MPF (meat, poulty, and fish) and vitamin C, increased significantly as pregnancy progressed. As the results, bioavailability of dietary iron and iron absorbed increased significantly as pregnancy progressed. However, the amount of iron absorbed at each trimester did not meet considerably the iron needed during pregnancy. All five indices examined in the study, Hb level, Hct, serum concentrations of ferritin and sTfR (soluble transferrin receptor), and sTfR:ferritin ratio, showed that iron status of the subjects deteriorated as pregnancy progressed. The rate of anemia of the subjects increased as pregnancy progressed although more than 80% of the subjects took iron supplements after the 20th week of pregnancy. These results imply that it is needed to provide more iron especially, heme iron and dietary enhancers to prevent the deterioration of iron status during pregnancy. Future research on bioavaila-blility of supplemental iron should be performed to determine the iron balance precisely.

Comparisons of Food Intake Patterns and Iron Nutritional Status by Dietary Iron Density Among College Students

Food intake patterns and iron nutritional status of male and female college students were studied based on dietary iron density. Dietary data were collected using the method of 24-hour recalls for 3 consecutive days from 106 students, and fasting blood were drawn to measure iron nutritional status indicators such as total iron binding capacity, serum iron, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count. Mean daily iron intakes of male and female students were 13.3mg and 10.0mg, which were 107% and 63% of the RDA, respectively. However, dietary iron density were similar between male and female students as 5.9mg/1,000kcal and 5.7mg/1,000kcal, respectively. The diets were divided into two groups according to iron density; high iron density group (6mg/1,000kcal or more) and low iron density group (less than 6mg/1,000kcal). The students in high density group had lower intakes of energy, especially fat, than those in low density group. Female students in high density group showed significantly higher intakes of iron, and non-heme iron and folate than those of low density group. The students in high density group consumed more rice, hamburger, and eggs, while those in low density group consumed more Ra-myon and alcoholic beverages. The students in high density group consumed greater proportions of iron from plant-origin foods. Vegetables, legumes and seasonings were the food groups that female students in high density group consumed significantly more than those in low density group. Also the percentages of female students with iron deficiency were higher in low density group. These results suggest that diet with high iron density is important to improve iron nutritional status of women, and further research about the effective way to increase iron density in our diet is needed.

Nutritional Status of Iron of Elderly in Jeon-Ju Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of iron of the elderly residing in the Jeonju area. The anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake and biochemical status of iron, were measured for 60 Korean elderly(23 elderly men and 37 elderly women aged 60 - 79 years old). The level of hemoglobin(Hb), hematocrint(Hct), serum iron(Fe), total iron binding capacity(TIBC) and serum ferritin(Ferritin) were measured and transferrin saturation(TFsaturation) was calculated. Mean values of Hb, Hct, Fe, TIBC, TFsaturation and Ferritin were 14.49+/-0.93g/dl, 42.47+/-2.59%, 125.48+/-52,.46 microgram/dl, 338.13+/-45.92 microgram/dl, 193.00+/-125.03 microgram/l in elderly men and 12.82+/-0.99 microgram/dl, 37.66+/-2.90%, 100.08+/-42.82 microgram/dl, 356.41+/-54.65 microgram/dl, and 99.35+/-117.22 microgram/l in elderly women, respectively. Prevalence of iron deficiency varied greatly with biochemical indices of iron. It was 13.0% when judged by Fe(60 microgram/dl) and TFsaturation(15%) whereas 34.78% by Hct(41%) in elderly men. However 13.5% of the elderly women showed iron depletion(Ferritin360 microgram/dl). The anemic subjects assessed with TFsaturation(<15%) represented 13.5% of the elderly women, whereas 18.9% of the subjects possessed less than 12g/dl of Hb. The Hb concentration was positively correlated with Hct(r=0.980, p<0.001), Fe(r=0.384, p<0.01) and TFsaturation(r=0.349, p<0.01). On the other hand, Ferritin concentration showed a significantly negative correlation with TIBC(r=0.349, p<0.05) and a positive correlation with TFsaturation(r=0.362, p<0.01). Major food groups of iron intake in the elderly were vegetables, cereals, and fish. The mean daily intake of iron was not significantly different between elderly men and women(12.82mg vs 10.35mg). Intake of heme iron however, was significantly higher(p<0.01) in elderly men(1.03mg) than women(0.42mg). Total absorbable iron caculated by the method of Monsen was 0.55mg, 0.40mg in elderly men and women, respectively and bioavailability of dietary iron 4.29% and 3.87%.

Nutritional Status of Iron of Elderly in Jeon-Ju Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of iron of the elderly residing in the Jeonju area. The anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake and biochemical status of iron, were measured for 60 Korean elderly(23 elderly men and 37 elderly women aged 60 - 79 years old). The level of hemoglobin(Hb), hematocrint(Hct), serum iron(Fe), total iron binding capacity(TIBC) and serum ferritin(Ferritin) were measured and transferrin saturation(TFsaturation) was calculated. Mean values of Hb, Hct, Fe, TIBC, TFsaturation and Ferritin were 14.49+/-0.93g/dl, 42.47+/-2.59%, 125.48+/-52,.46 microgram/dl, 338.13+/-45.92 microgram/dl, 193.00+/-125.03 microgram/l in elderly men and 12.82+/-0.99 microgram/dl, 37.66+/-2.90%, 100.08+/-42.82 microgram/dl, 356.41+/-54.65 microgram/dl, and 99.35+/-117.22 microgram/l in elderly women, respectively. Prevalence of iron deficiency varied greatly with biochemical indices of iron. It was 13.0% when judged by Fe(60 microgram/dl) and TFsaturation(15%) whereas 34.78% by Hct(41%) in elderly men. However 13.5% of the elderly women showed iron depletion(Ferritin360 microgram/dl). The anemic subjects assessed with TFsaturation(<15%) represented 13.5% of the elderly women, whereas 18.9% of the subjects possessed less than 12g/dl of Hb. The Hb concentration was positively correlated with Hct(r=0.980, p<0.001), Fe(r=0.384, p<0.01) and TFsaturation(r=0.349, p<0.01). On the other hand, Ferritin concentration showed a significantly negative correlation with TIBC(r=0.349, p<0.05) and a positive correlation with TFsaturation(r=0.362, p<0.01). Major food groups of iron intake in the elderly were vegetables, cereals, and fish. The mean daily intake of iron was not significantly different between elderly men and women(12.82mg vs 10.35mg). Intake of heme iron however, was significantly higher(p<0.01) in elderly men(1.03mg) than women(0.42mg). Total absorbable iron caculated by the method of Monsen was 0.55mg, 0.40mg in elderly men and women, respectively and bioavailability of dietary iron 4.29% and 3.87%.

A Longitudinal Study of the Iron and Zinc Intakes of Korean Infants from 1 to 3 Months-Breast-Fed vs Formula-Fed Infants / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was carried out to longitudinally investigate the iron and zinc intakes and correlation with growth performance of 25 male breast-and formula-fed infants from 1 to 3 months postpartum, longitudinally. There were four groups breast fed(BF) and three formula fed groups((FFM, FFN and FFP). Milk intakes and the concentration of iron and zinc from human milk and the formulas were measured. The iron content of human milk was 2.07+/-1.05(0.63~5.65) microgram/ml. The zinc content was 2.43+/-1.14(0.70~5.30) microgram/ml. Both were not significantly different among postpartum months. The average iron intake of the breast-fed and formula-fed infants was 1.6+/-0.7mg/day and 8.4+/-2.3mg/day, respectively. The iron intake of breast-fed infants was higher than previous reports. And that of formula-fed infants was higher than the RDA. The average zinc intake of the breast-fed group was 1.9+/-0.9mg/day and formula-fed infants' was 2.7+/-0.7mg/day, which was higher than the RDA. There was no correlation between these mineral intakes and the growth performance during 1 to 3 postpartyum months. So, extensive studies of the iron content of human milk and wide cross-sectional studies for establishing iron and zinc recommended dietary allowances for infants are needed.

Assessment of the Intake and Availability of Dietary Iron and Nutrition Knowledge in Pregnant Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was designed to estimate mean daily iron intake and its bioavailability and to assess nutrition knowledge for 144 pregnant women in the last trimester. Serum ferritin concentration was analyzed to estimate their iron stores. Dietary intakes of iron(heme iron and nonheme iron), the amounts of MPF(meat, poultry and fish) and ascorbic acid were assessed by modified 24-hr recall method. The food frequency questionnaire was used to assess subjects usual food consumption patterns. The mean value of serum ferritin was 21.3+/-15.3ng/ml and 26.4% of the pregnant women had a serum ferritin level<12ng/ml(i.e. depleted iron stores). The mean daily intake of total orin in the pregnant women was 56.5%(17.0 mg) of RDA and heme iron intake was 0.94 mg which was 5.5% of total iron intake. Total absorbable iron calculated by the method of Monsen was 2.41 mg and bioavailability of dietary iron was 2.41%. Food frequency test score of meats group was positively correlated(r=0.443) with the bioaavailability of dietary iron. The mean score on the nutrition knowledge test of subjects was 12.76(out of a possible 20 points). These results indicate that the nutritional iron status may be improved by increasing either the amount of iron in the diet or its availability.

Iron Deficiency and Feeding Practices in Infants and Young Children

PURPOSE: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficient disorder in infants and young children. Iron deficiency at this age group can cause seroius effects on mental and psychomotor development. The object of this study is to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and evaluate its relationship with diet during the weaning period. METHODS: We conducted blood tests on 247 healthy, 5-24 months olds, who visited DongBu Municipal Hospital and the local health center for immunizations. One hundred and fifty-two children also had serum iron, TIBC, transferrin-saturation and serum ferritin tested. Mothers of 129 children answered a questionnaire about feeding practices and their children were divided into 3 groups according to age; groupl (5-11 mon.), groupll (12-17 mon.), grouplll (18-24 mon.). RESULTS: Out of the total number of subjects 7.3% (n=18) was anemic (Hbg<11g/dl) and the highest 9.4% was in groupl (5-11 mon.). Among 152, 32.2% (n=49) were in an iron deficient state (ferritin<10ng/ml). In group lll, 57.5% (23/40) were iron deficient. Transferrin saturation<10% was 13.8% (21/152) and ferritin<10ng/ml and/or TS<10% was 37.5%. Analysis of questionnaires is as follows : Total daily caloric intake was 771.9 +/- 264.0 Cal on average. Average daily iron intake was 5.5 +/- 2.7 mg, about half the recommended dietary allowance of 10mg. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of iron deficiency was high (32.9%) in 5-24 months olds. Because iron deficiency without anemia was 27.0%, we recommend to add serum ferritin to routine Hb indices test for iron deficiency evaluation. As average iron intake in weaning period was much less than recommended, it seems appropriate to emphasize feeding iron rich weaning foods.

Iron Deficiency and Feeding Practices in Infants and Young Children

PURPOSE: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficient disorder in infants and young children. Iron deficiency at this age group can cause seroius effects on mental and psychomotor development. The object of this study is to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and evaluate its relationship with diet during the weaning period. METHODS: We conducted blood tests on 247 healthy, 5-24 months olds, who visited DongBu Municipal Hospital and the local health center for immunizations. One hundred and fifty-two children also had serum iron, TIBC, transferrin-saturation and serum ferritin tested. Mothers of 129 children answered a questionnaire about feeding practices and their children were divided into 3 groups according to age; groupl (5-11 mon.), groupll (12-17 mon.), grouplll (18-24 mon.). RESULTS: Out of the total number of subjects 7.3% (n=18) was anemic (Hbg<11g/dl) and the highest 9.4% was in groupl (5-11 mon.). Among 152, 32.2% (n=49) were in an iron deficient state (ferritin<10ng/ml). In group lll, 57.5% (23/40) were iron deficient. Transferrin saturation<10% was 13.8% (21/152) and ferritin<10ng/ml and/or TS<10% was 37.5%. Analysis of questionnaires is as follows : Total daily caloric intake was 771.9 +/- 264.0 Cal on average. Average daily iron intake was 5.5 +/- 2.7 mg, about half the recommended dietary allowance of 10mg. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of iron deficiency was high (32.9%) in 5-24 months olds. Because iron deficiency without anemia was 27.0%, we recommend to add serum ferritin to routine Hb indices test for iron deficiency evaluation. As average iron intake in weaning period was much less than recommended, it seems appropriate to emphasize feeding iron rich weaning foods.