Assessment of iron status in adolescents: Dietary, biochemical and lifestyle determinants

Abstract

Purpose This study assessed the impact of dietary intake and lifestyle factors on iron status in adolescents. Methods Iron status, dietary intakes and relevant lifestyle behaviors of 396 healthy adolescents were assessed using food frequency questionnaires, a lifestyle survey, anthropometric measures, and blood analysis for serum ferritin, percent transferrin saturation, and serum hemoglobin levels. Results Six percent of the females in the sample were found to be iron deficient. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the total female population was 3.4%. No males met the criteria for iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. Dietary iron intake exceeded the Estimated Average Requirement for all groups. However, iron intake was observed to be significantly higher in individuals with a healthy iron status, as compared with those who were considered iron deficient. Conclusions The results counter the assertion that iron deficiency in developed countries is the result of low iron intakes. This study did not explore factors such as the type and bioavailability of dietary iron sources consumed by the participants. However, the authors speculate that these variables may have a greater impact on iron status than total dietary iron intakes or lifestyle determinants.