Serum iron and iron binding capacity of the African in Southern Rhodesia

Abstract

1. 1) Serum iron and total iron binding capacity are reported for a number of different groups of Africans in Southern Rhodesia. 2. 2) Healthy African groups were as follows: Labourers, hospital orderlies, baTonga tribesmen and an old-age group. Africans suffering from pellagra, cirrhosis of the liver, anaemia, diabetes and porphyria were also tested and a further group of sick Africans with “black face” were included. 3. 3) The results for healthy Africans were above the normal ranges reported elsewhere, with a further slight increase in serum iron in the case of hospital orderlies and baTonga tribesman. 4. 4) Patients suffering from porphyria and “black face” both showed elevated serum irons, and in anaemia subjects it was reduced. Total iron binding capacity was reduced in porphyrics and cirrhotics, and drastically reduced in the case of pellagra patients, otherwise the figures were in normal ranges. 5. 5) The results are discussed in relation to siderosis and to work done elsewhere in Africa.