The iron status, clinical symptom and anthropometry between normal and anemic groups of middle school girls

ABSTRACT

This research analyzed the iron status, clinical symptoms and physical characteristics between normal and anemic group of middle school girls in the Ulsan metropolitan area. It was carried out with 237 subjects (normal 190, anemic subject 47). They were evaluated with a questionnaire and measurement of hematological indices. BMI (kg/m2) of the two groups were 19.54 +/- 2.44 (normal girls) and 19.22 +/- 2.27 (anemic girls). The hemoglobin concentration of the anemic girls were 10.84 +/- 1.17g/dl and the serum iron of the anemic girls represent 35.15 +/- 27.47 microgram/100 ml. The TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) of the anemic girls showed significantly high to 449.30 +/- 64.87 microgram/100 ml. The serum ferritin of the anemic girls was 20.53 +/- 42.29 microgram/l, it represented significantly low. The symptom of 'pale face' of the anemic girls were higher than the normal girls. Hemoglobin and serum iron were negatively correlated with 'pale face'. The TIBC was negatively correlated with 'Get a cold easily'. The duration and amount of menstruation were correlated with iron status. This research is to be utilized as basic data for dietary support and nutritional education to improve their iron status.