Dietary Iron Intake Research Articles

Is BMI associated with anemia and hemoglobin level of women and children in Bangladesh: A study with multiple statistical approaches.

The coexistence of undernutrition and obesity is an emerging problem for developing countries like Bangladesh. Anemia is another critical public health threat, prevalent predominantly among women and children. Undernutrition is linked with a higher risk of anemia, and lower dietary iron intake might be the possible reason. However, the risk of anemia among obese/overweight individuals is controversial. The study explores the relation of BMI with anemia and blood hemoglobin level among women and children in Bangladesh. Multiple statistical approaches were employed to nationally representative secondary data (BDHS 2011) on women (n = 5680) age 15-49 years and children (n = 2373) age 6-59 months to illuminate the relation between BMI and anemia. BMI was categorized according to the WHO recommended BMI category for Asian people. Descriptive statistics were used to measure mean hemoglobin level. Chi-square test, Pearson correlation, Two-way ANOVA, binary, ordinal, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression were used to study the association of BMI with anemia and hemoglobin level. Chi-square test reveals significant association, though not intense, among BMI and anemia categories of women (15-49 years) (χ2 ≥99, p<2.2e-16 and Cramér's V = 0.0799-0.1357). From ANOVA analysis, a significant difference in blood hemoglobin level was found among women (total sample and nonpregnant) with different BMI categories (p≤0.05). Binary (Severely Underweight: OR 1.2680, 95% CI 0.755-2.161; Obese: OR 0.4038, 95% CI 0.120-1.177), Ordinal logistic regression (Severely Underweight: OR 1.337, 95% CI 0.842-2.115; Obese: OR 0.504, 95% CI 0.153-1.411) and restricted cubic spline regression (Severely Underweight: OR >1.5; Obese: OR ~0.5) reveal that the risk of anemia was higher among underweight and lower among obese/overweight women compared to normal women. Lower anemia risk among richest women indicates probable higher dietary iron intake among obese/overweight women. In the current study, women with overweight/obesity from Bangladesh were shown to have lower likelihood of being anemic, while underweight women more likely to be anemic. However, no relation between BMI and anemia was found among children.

Donation-induced iron depletion is significantly associated with low hemoglobin at subsequent donations.

Blood donation is associated with a loss of hemoglobin (Hb)-bound iron. Hb levels recover relatively fast by using stored iron. However, it takes more time to replenish iron stores, potentially resulting in iron deficiency. Hb and ferritin levels were measured in 5056 new, first-time, and repeat whole blood donors. We investigated whether increasing numbers of donations are associated with lower ferritin levels. Furthermore, we tested whether low ferritin levels are associated with low-Hb deferral at the subsequent donation attempt by performing logistic regression adjusted for age and stratified by sex. Whereas mean Hb levels are relatively stable, ferritin levels significantly decrease with increasing numbers of donations and were approximately 50% lower for donors with >50 donations compared with those with 2-10 donations. Despite the poor correlation of ferritin and Hb levels, cross-sectional, iron-deficient donors (ferritin <15 ng/ml) had 21.8 (8.5-55.6) higher odds in men, 10.1 (6.1-16.5) in premenopausal women, and 11.7 (5.2-26.4) in postmenopausal women for Hb deferral at a subsequent visit. To conclude, repeated donations may induce iron deficiency, which corresponds with an over tenfold increased risk of having insufficiently restored Hb levels at a subsequent donation attempt. Longer donation intervals and/or higher dietary or supplemental iron intake are warranted to prevent accumulated iron depletion and subsequent low-Hb deferral in whole blood donors.

Premature Hair Greying - Magnitude and Associated Factors: A cross-sectional study in a university in Mysuru

Background: Premature hair greying (PHG) refers to the diffuse loss of hair color at an age earlier than that is generally accepted as physiological. Studies have found that it affects self-esteem and social life. Our efforts were to estimate the prevalence among students &lt;25years and understand the associated factors. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study using a simple random sampling technique was used to survey 358 students at a university in Mysuru. The data were analyzed using SPSS v22. The association and relationship of PHG with attributed risk factors and various socio-clinical factors have been analyzed using Chi-Square Test, Independent sample t-test, and Mann Whitney U-test. A p-value of less than 0.05 has been considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, the prevalence of PHG was 28.2%. We observed that PHG was associated with male gender, obesity, and positive paternal, maternal, and family history of PHG. The relation of PHG with lower dietary iron intake, tobacco smoking amount, and frequency was also found in this study. However, no association between PHG and psychological stress, alcohol consumption, dietary Vitamin B12, and D intake, shampoo, and oil usage frequency was found. Conclusion: We recommend that further studies should be done to check if weight reduction, smoking cessation, and maintenance of dietary iron adequacy can help in preventing PHG.

Effects of Individual Dietary Intervention on Nutrient Intake in Postpartum Japanese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

No dietary intervention that focuses on the diet quality of postpartum women has been developed in Japan, although most postpartum women experience an insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. We aimed to examine whether dietary intervention, based on the health belief model, at both 1 and 3 months postpartum affects nutrient intake and food group consumption at 6 months postpartum. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo between 2015 and 2016. Healthy women at 1 month postpartum were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n = 100) or a control group (n = 94). Dietary intervention included dietary assessment, individual feedback, and dietary guidance. The dietary intakes between the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. At 6 months postpartum, the energy-adjusted intakes of protein, total dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B6, and β-carotene were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The changes in energy-adjusted intakes of total dietary fiber and iron from 1 month postpartum to 6 months postpartum were significantly different between the two groups. Dietary intervention based on the health belief model improved nutrition at 6 months postpartum, although the impact was limited.

Persistence of anaemia among Samoan preschool age children: a longitudinal study.

To characterise the prevalence and persistence of anaemia among Samoan children over a 2-3-year period. Data were from two consecutive waves (2015 and 2017-2018) of the Ola Tuputupua'e 'Growing up' study. Anaemia (Hb < 11·0 or 11·5 g/dl for 2-4 and ≥ 5 years old, respectively) was considered 'transient' when it occurred at only one wave or 'persistent' if it was present at two consecutive waves. Child, maternal and household correlates of anaemia were examined using log-binomial and modified Poisson regressions. Eleven Samoan villages. Mother-child pairs (n 257) recruited in 2015 and reassessed in 2017-2018. Anaemia prevalence was 33·9 % in 2015 and 28·0 % in 2017-2018; 35·6 % of cases identified in 2015 were persistent. Risk of anaemia at only one wave was lower among children who were older in 2015 (age 4 v. 2 years, adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 0·54, (95 % CI 0·35, 0·84), P = 0·007), had older mothers (≥ 40 v. 18-29 years, aRR = 0·61, (95 % CI 0·39, 0·95), P = 0·029) and had higher daily sodium intake (for every 100 mg/d, aRR = 0·97, (95 % CI 0·95, 0·99), P = 0·003) than children with no anaemia. Children whose anaemia persisted were more likely to have had a mother with anaemia (aRR = 2·13, (95 % CI 1·17, 3·89), P = 0·013) and had higher daily dietary iron intake (for every 10 mg/d, aRR = 4·69, (95 % CI 1·33, 16·49), P = 0·016) than those with no anaemia. Alongside broadly targeted prevention efforts, which are warranted given the moderate-high anaemia prevalence observed, specific attention should be paid to children with risk factors for persistent anaemia. Routine screening of children whose mothers have anaemia should be encouraged.

Risk of anaemia among women engaged in biomass-based fish smoking as their primary livelihood in the central region of Ghana: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundFish smoking using biomass fuel is an important livelihood for women living in the coastal regions of Ghana and may contribute to anaemia risk. We assessed whether women who smoke fish as their primary livelihood are at increased risk of anaemia compared to women in other livelihoods in the Central Region of Ghana.MethodsWe conducted a comparative cross-sectional study of 330 randomly selected adult women (18–49 years) whose primary livelihood was either fish smoking (FSL) involving the burning of biomass fuel (n = 175) or other livelihoods (OL) not involving burning of firewood (n = 155). Data on participants’ recent diet were collected from a single, quantitative 24-h dietary recall and qualitative 7-day food frequency questionnaire of animal-source food (ASF) consumption. We further assessed participants’ haemoglobin concentration using the Urit 12 Hemocue system. We compared total iron intakes, the proportion of dietary iron from animal and plant sources, mean haemoglobin concentrations, and anaemia prevalence between FSL and OL women.ResultsFish was the most frequently consumed ASF by both groups of women. Although OL women consumed more diverse ASFs in the past week compared with the FSL women (3.4 ± 1.2 vs. 2.7 ± 1.3; p < 0.001), the contribution of ASFs to total iron intake in the past day was greater for the FSL women (49.5% vs. 44.0%; p = 0.030). Estimated total dietary iron intake in the past day was generally low (5.2 ± 4.7 mg) and did not differ by group. The unadjusted prevalence of anaemia was 32 and 27.1% among the FSL and OL women, respectively (p = 0.33). After covariates adjustment, the FSL women had statistically higher anaemia prevalence (36.4% vs. 20.5%; p = 0.032) and 80% greater risk of being anemic (RR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) than the OL women.ConclusionWomen who use biomass fuel to smoke fish as their primary livelihood had an increased risk of anaemia. Furthermore, the average 24-h dietary iron intake among both the FSL and OL women was below their daily iron requirement. Interventions to enhance women’s dietary iron intake and reduce their livelihood related biomass smoke exposure may be warranted in this population.

Evaluation of the Validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24-Hour Dietary Recall to Assess Dietary Iron Intake in Children and Adolescents from the South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental Study

BackgroundA food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for South American children and adolescents was developed, but its validity for assessing dietary iron intake has not been evaluated. ObjectiveTo evaluate the validity of the FFQ and 24-hour dietary recalls (24h-DR) for assessing dietary iron intake in children and adolescents. DesignThe South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental study is a multicenter observational study, conducted in five South American cities: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima (Peru), Medellin (Colombia), Sao Paulo, and Teresina (Brazil). The FFQ assessed dietary intake over the previous 3 months, and the 24h-DR was completed three times (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) with a minimum 5-day interval between recalls. Blood samples were collected to assess serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin levels. Participants and settingData of 99 children (aged 3 to 10 years) and 50 adolescents (aged 11 to 17 years) from public and private schools were collected during 2015 to 2017. Main outcome measuresDietary iron intake calculated from the FFQ (using the sum of daily iron intake in all food/food groups) and 24h-DR (mean of 3 days using the multiple source method). Statistical analyses performedDietary iron intake in relation to blood biomarkers were assessed using Spearman rank correlations adjusted for sex, age, and total energy intake, and the quadratic weighted κ coefficients for agreement. ResultsSpearman correlations showed very good coefficients (range = 0.78 to 0.85) for the FFQ in both age groups; for the 24h-DR, the coefficients were weak in children and adolescents (range = 0.23 to 0.28). The agreement ranged from 59.9% to 72.9% for the FFQ and from 63.9% to 81.9% for the 24h-DR. ConclusionThe South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental study FFQ exhibited good validity to rank total dietary iron intake in children and adolescents, and as well as the 24h-DR, presented good strength of agreements when compared with serum iron and ferritin levels.

Fermented goat's milk modulates immune response during iron deficiency anemia recovery.

Iron deficiency and iron overload can affect the normal functioning of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Fermented milk products may enhance immune functions, but little is known about the effect of fermented milks on modulation of the immune response during iron deficiency anemia and recovery with normal or high dietary iron intake. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group fed a standard diet or to an anemic group fed a diet deficit in iron. Control and anemic groups were fed for 30 days with diets based on a fermented goat's or cow's milk product, with normal iron content or iron overload. In general, during anemia recovery lectin and alternative complement pathway activity and lactoferrin decreased, because it improves iron homeostasis, which is critically important in immune system functions. Fermented goat's milk diet enhanced immune function during iron deficiency recovery, suppressed oxidant-induced eotaxin and fractalkine expression due to the concurrent reduction of free radical production and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and monocyte migration and adhesion. The increase in interferon-γ can confer immunological colonization of gut microbiota and downregulate inflammation. Fermented goat's milk consumption enhances immune function, modifying complement pathway activity and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as lactoferrin concentration, due to the improvement of iron homeostasis, which is critically important in the normal function of the immune system. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Nutritional Program on Anemic Status and Pregnancy outcome among Pregnant Women Suffering from Iron Deficiency Anemia

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder during pregnancy. The aim of this study: was to determine the effect of nutritional program on anemic status and pregnancy outcome among pregnant women suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Subjects and Method: The study was carried out at antenatal inpatient units and outpatient clinics in obstetrics and gynecological department at Tanta University and El-Menshawy Hospitals and four governmental antenatal clinics in Tanta city. Convenient sample of 60 pregnant women were included in the study and fulfilling the inclusive criteria. Five tools were used: Tool (I):A structured interview schedule included four parts: (a) Socio-demographic data, (b) Reproductive history, menstrual history, antenatal booking and attendance of antenatal care classes regarding IDA, (c) Current health history of women included: medical, surgical and also family history (d) History of iron deficiency anemia during current pregnancy. Tool (II): Women's knowledge assessment interview: it included two parts: a) Women's knowledge about iron deficiency anemia and b): Assessment of pregnant women's self-care measures and nutritional habits regarding iron deficiency anemia. Tool (III): Iron Intake Calculation Food Frequency Questionnaire it was used to assess women's iron dietary intake. Tool (IV): Bio-physiological measurement included: (a) Anthropometric measurements :Body Mass Index and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), (b) Physical examination: to assess signs of iron deficiency anemia, (c) Measurement of serum hemoglobin level on capillary blood using one touch hemoglobin device(d) Stool analysis: was done to exclude parasitic infestation. Tool (V): Outcome assessment tool: included two parts, (a) Maternal outcome assessment sheet and (b) Neonatal outcome assessment sheet. Results: Itrevealed that mean blood hemoglobin level had increased from (9.05±0.98) pre-program to (11.8±0.95) at the end of the 2nd trimester and (10.74±0.93) at the end of the 3rd trimester. Conclusion: Significant improvement of the level of knowledge, dietary habits, anemic status (hemoglobin level) and the maternal & neonatal outcome were found after implementation of the program. Therefore, the study recommended: developing antenatal educational classes for all pregnant women to increase their awareness about importance of early and regular antenatal care as well as proper screening for early diagnosis and effective management of IDA to improve their pregnancy outcome.

The Associations of Dietary Iron Intake and the Transferrin Receptor (TFRC) rs9846149 Polymorphism with the Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Case-Control Study Conducted in Korea.

Background: A positive association between a high iron intake and colorectal cancer has been identified; however, the effect of dietary iron on gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Here, we investigate whether dietary iron is related to GC risk and whether the transferrin receptor (TFRC) rs9846149 polymorphism modifies this association. Methods: A case–control study was designed to assess this association among 374 GC patients and 754 healthy controls. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographics, medical history and lifestyle. Dietary iron intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. TFRC rs9846149 was genetically analyzed using the Affymetrix Axiom Exom 319 Array platform. Results: A higher total dietary iron was significantly associated with decreased GC risk [OR = 0.65 (0.45–0.94), p for trend = 0.018]. A similar association was observed with nonheme iron [OR = 0.64 (0.44–0.92), p for trend = 0.018]. Individuals with a major allele of TFRC rs9846149 (CC/GC) and higher intake of total iron had a significantly lower GC risk than those with a lower intake [OR = 0.60 (0.41–0.88), p interaction = 0.035]. Conclusion: Our findings show the protective effects of total dietary iron, especially nonheme iron, against GC risk, and this association can be modified by TFRC rs9846149.

Lactoferrin for Prevention and Treatment of Anemia and Inflammation in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review.

Pregnancy is a physiological state that demands higher level of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for the growth and maintenance of the fetus. Iron deficiency is a part of most common diet deficiencies in pregnancy and has high clinical significance leading to the development of syderopenic anemia and its consequences for mother and child, such as higher risk of perinatal death, susceptibility to infection, intra-uteral growth inhibition, prematurity and low birth weight. Hence, iron supplementation is recommended for pregnant women; however dietary intake of iron from most commercially available formulas is often insufficient due to iron-poor bioavailability, or have undesired side-effects in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a discouraging and distrustful attitude to such treatment. The results of numerous studies indicate that diet supplementation with lactoferrin (LTF), an iron-binding protein, may be advantageous in prophylaxis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. LTF, administered orally, normalizes iron homeostasis, not only by facilitating iron absorption, but also by inhibiting inflammatory processes responsible for anemia of chronic diseases, characterized by a functional iron deficit for physiological processes. LTF also protects against infections and inflammatory complications, caused by diagnostic surgical interventions in pregnant women. Beneficial, multidirectional actions of LTF during pregnancy encompass, in addition, inhibition of oxidative stress, normalization of intestine and genital tract microbiota and carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, protection of intestine barrier function, promotion of wound healing, as well as hypotensive, analgesic and antistress actions. Bovine lactoferrin (BLTF) is readily available on the nutritional market and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in human diet.

Association Between Dietary Iron Intake and Serum Ferritin and Severe Headache or Migraine.

Background: Dietary iron intake and serum ferritin in relation to severe headache or migraine remain largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the associations between dietary iron intake and serum ferritin with severe headache or migraine among American adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 7,880 adults (≥20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) of America from 1999 to 2004. We performed multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression to assess the association of dietary iron and serum ferritin with severe headache or migraine.Results: Most women aged 20–50 years consumed less dietary iron than their recommended dietary allowances. Dietary iron intake was inversely associated with severe headache or migraine in women aged 20–50 years. For women over 50 years, serum ferritin was negatively associated with severe headache or migraine. For men, there was no significant relationship between dietary iron and serum ferritin, and severe headache or migraine.Conclusions: Dietary iron intake has different effects on migraine in women of different ages, and this different effect may be due to age-related menstrual changes. Women aged 20–50 years should have a higher awareness of RDA and increase their dietary iron intake if needed, which may play an important role in preventing severe headache or migraine. Higher serum ferritin levels in women aged 50 and above may have a protective effect against migraine.

Correlation of dietary iron intake and serum iron with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels in adult hyperthyroid patients.

National Baseline Health Research 2013 showed that there were 706,757 (0.4%) hyperthyroid patients in Indonesia. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by abnormal thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) which causes low TSH and high FT4 levels. Hyperthyroid patients have a decrease of serum iron levels due to acute phase reactions of hyperthyroidism. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between dietary iron intake and serum iron with TSH and FT4 levels in adult hyperthyroid patients. This study was conducted in February-July 2020 at the Clinic of Magelang Health Research and Development Center. Sampling of this cross sectional study was based on inclusion criteria in order to obtain 50 adult hyperthyroid patients. Dietary iron intake was collected with 2×24h dietary recall, serum iron was measured with colorimetric analysis, the levels of TSH and FT4 were measured by ELISA. The collected data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and multivariate linear regression with 95% confidence level. Deficiencies of dietary iron intake was found in 20 hyperthyroid patients (40%). Low serum iron levels were found in 10 hyperthyroid patients (20%). Spearman correlation analysis showed that dietary iron intake had a negative correlation with TSH (r=-0.294; p<0.05) but did not correlate with FT4 (r=-0.142; p>0.05), while serum iron didn't associated with both TSH (r=0.110; p>0.05) and FT4 (r=0.142; p>0.05). Furthermore, regression analysis showed that dietary iron intake, serum iron, phytate, and thyrozol intake correlate with TSH levels (R square=0.193; p<0.05) and FT4 levels (R square=0.341; p<0.05), but there were no independent association between dietary iron intake and serum iron with TSH and FT4 levels (p>0.05). Intake and serum of iron didn't correlate with TSH and FT4 levels in adult hyperthyroid patients.

Menopausal Syndrome - an Overview

Menopause is the natural cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and marks the end of fertility. Most women experience menopause by the average age of 52, but pelvic or ovarian damage may cause sudden menopause earlier in life. Genetics or any disease conditions may also lead to early onset of menopause. Perimenopause and post menopause are the two different stages of menopause. The beginning of irregular menses to the first 12 months of amenorrhea is perimenopause and the period after menopause is post menopause. Women experience various physiological and psychological changes during their menopausal period which will affect their quality of life and health. The main objective of this review was to assess the literature concerning the various postmenopausal symptoms and prevalence. In many research they reported that the most common symptoms in menopausal women are somatic symptoms such as hot flushes, heart discomfort, sleep problem, muscle and joint pain. The psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, physical and mental exhaustion, sexual problem, bladder problem and dryness of vagina are the urogenital symptoms. The menopause in women is stressful and produces many changes in vital parameters. The low intakes of dietary iron and calcium are common in menopausal women. As a conclusion of this study proper diet, improved life style, self-care, medical support and awareness program can help to reduce the postmenopausal symptoms and increase their quality of life.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING MODULE ON PREVENTION OF ANAEMIA AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Anemia is a clinical condition that results from an insufficient supply of healthy red blood cells to oxygenate the body’s tissue adequately; results in hypoxia1 . It is a deficiency in the number of erythrocytes, the quantity of hemoglobin and or the volume of packed RBCs. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition due to decreased hemoglobin synthesis. It typically results when the intake of dietary iron is inadequate for hemoglobin synthesis. The findings of this study support the need for Community Health Nurse to conduct health education programme, to increase the knowledge of the adolescent girls regarding prevention of anaemia. Key words: Anemia, Adolescent Girl, Prevention, Knowledge

Association between Iron Supplementation, Dietary Iron Intake and Risk of Moderate Preterm Birth: A Birth Cohort Study in China.

Background:To evaluate the independent and collective effects of maternal iron supplementation and dietary iron intake upon the risk of moderate preterm birth and its subtypes.Methods:In this birth cohort study, 1019 pregnant women with moderate preterm birth and 9160 women with term birth were recruited at Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital from 2010–2012 in China. Unconditional logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between maternal iron supplementation, dietary iron intake, and the risk of moderate preterm birth and its subtypes.Results:Compared with non-users, iron supplement users exerted a protective effect upon the overall (OR=0.54, 95%CI=0.40–0.72) and spontaneous moderate preterm birth (OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.33–0.83). Compared with the 25th quartiles of dietary iron intake, either before or during pregnancy, it exerted a significantly protective effect upon those who had the highest quartiles of dietary iron intake (OR=0.87, 95%CI=0.82–0.95 for the highest quartiles of dietary iron intake before pregnancy OR=0.85, 95%CI=0.79–0.91). Positive association was observed between the additive scale and multiplicative scale for preterm birth, spontaneous preterm rather than medically indicated preterm.Conclusion:Iron supplements (60 mg/day) and high-iron intake (>25.86 mg/day before pregnancy, >30.46 mg/day during pregnancy) reduced the risk of moderate preterm birth. Positive correlation is found between the additive scale and multiplicative scale for preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth.

The Association of Dietary Iron on Visual Cognitive Performance and Training in the IONSport Study

ObjectivesVisual cognitive performance (VCP) is an important factor in high-speed interactions with the environment such as sports or driving, however, the testing, training and determination of factors that influence this ability has been elusive. Iron intake from heme sources has been shown to prevent altered metabolic processes, reductions in protein and neurotransmitter synthesis, and cognitive abilities and neural functions. The purpose of this study is to determine whether chronic dietary iron intake explain the large difference in VCP and training responses between healthy individuals. MethodsMen and women age 18–35 completed 15 visual cognitive training sessions (Neurotracker) in 10 visits to the laboratory. On the days of training, all food intake was documented (Nutribase) along with measures of body composition, blood pressure, hydration status, sleep patterns, and recent exercise. Mean nutritional intakes were calculated for the 10 days of food records. Total daily intakes of iron were also calculated for each of the 10 days of food records. ResultsIron intake was significantly associated to VCP (P < 0.001) in women (N = 52) but not men (N = 36). VCP improved progressively with dietary iron intake in women from low (iron: 8.2 ± 1.2 mg/day, VCP: 1.38 ± 0.22, N = 24), medium (iron: 13.4 ± 1.3 mg/day, VCP = 1.59 ± 0.38, N = 21) to high (20.9 ± 3.8 mg/day, VCP = 1.86 ± 0.33, N = 7) in which all groups were all significantly different from each other (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThese results suggest that intakes of iron at or above the RDA may be essential to optimize VCP. Funding SourcesNational Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Existing and Hypothetical Iron Fortification Programs in Haiti

Abstract Objectives Our objectives were to estimate apparent intake of iron in Haiti, to assess the adequacy of iron intake among women of reproductive age (WRA), and to model the cost-effectiveness of fortifying alternative food vehicles for reducing inadequate intake. Methods We analyzed the most recent Haiti household food consumption data (2012 ECVMAS) to estimate adequacy of apparent iron intake from dietary sources (using the adult male equivalent method; assuming 10% absorption) and modeled the impacts of fortifying currently mandated (wheat flour, applying local data on current compliance) and hypothetical (bouillon and rice) food vehicles on reductions in the prevalence of inadequate iron intake (effective coverage). We built activity-based cost models to estimate large scale food fortification (LSFF) program establishment and management costs, based on key informant interviews and on published cost estimates from other settings adapted to fit the Haitian case. Results The prevalence of inadequate dietary intake of iron among WRA was 79% (100% among pregnant women). Iron-fortified wheat flour was the most cost-effective vehicle: $4.32 and $4.75 per WRA-year effectively covered at current (75% of flour fortified to the standard of 30 mg/kg) and target (90% fortified to the standard) fortification levels. Fortified wheat flour effectively covered 11–13% of non-pregnant WRA, but almost no pregnant women. Although bouillon was consumed by &amp;gt; 98% of households, low estimated iron absorption from fortified bouillon (2%) led to low effective coverage. Iron-fortified rice (90% fortified at 120 mg/kg) was predicted to effectively cover the largest number of WRA (reducing inadequate intake to ∼30%), but at a cost of $7.80 per WRA-year effectively covered. Conclusions Of the food vehicles modeled, wheat flour was the most cost-effective for reducing inadequate iron intake. Modeling iron fortification of individual and combinations of food vehicles showed that well-designed LSFF programs can contribute to improving iron status among non-pregnant women, but eliminating inadequate iron intake among all WRA will require complementary iron interventions. Funding Sources This work was supported by grants to UC Davis from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and to Partners of the Americas from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Iron Deficiency and Anemia among Residents of Urban Areas of São Paulo, Brazil.

Anemia is a worldwide concern. This cross-sectional population-based study examined the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among residents of São Paulo (n = 898; 12–93 years), considering sociodemographic factors, dietary iron inadequacy, and food contributors to iron intake. Blood cell count and iron biomarkers were quantified. Dietary iron intake was measured using two 24-h dietary recalls. Iron intake inadequacy was estimated using a probabilistic approach. The prevalence of anemia was 6.7%, depleted iron stores 5.1%, and IDA 1.1%. Women of all age groups, older adults, and those who were underweight or obese had the highest prevalence of anemia, and female adolescents had the highest prevalence of depleted iron stores. Female adolescents and adults were more vulnerable to depleted iron stores. Male adults and older adults had a considerable prevalence of iron overload. Except for female adolescents and adults, all groups had mild probabilities of inadequate iron intake. The main food iron contributor was wheat flour. Hemoglobin concentrations were directly associated with being an adult, having a higher income, and inversely associated with being female. Serum ferritin concentrations were directly associated with age and inversely correlated with female sex. Residents of São Paulo had a low prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and IDA, and sociodemographic factors interfered with these parameters.

A community study on awareness of iron deficiency and screening early adolescents who are likely to be iron deficient in government schools

Background: Iron deficiency is one of the major concerns of nutritional deficiencies in developing countries. Iron is an essential element for various biological processes. ID can result from inadequate intake or absorption of dietary iron, increased need during growth period of children and blood loss from infection. According to WHO, the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia is 20% or higher. IDA in children has been linked to increased childhood morbidity and impaired cognitive development and school performance.Methods: A descriptive study was carried out on 413 government school children in Bangalore of age group of 11-16 years. Questionnaires were provided to assess their knowledge. The demographic details of the study subjects like height, weight and physical examination, dietary intake of foods by the children were collected.Results: The paired two sample t-test was used to calculate the significance between the pre and post-educational test. The measure of the subjective data of the parameters as BMI, physical examination, dietary history; indicates that out of 413 students who had undergone assessment for iron deficiency, 70.70% students might be healthy, 14.29%, 10.73% and 4.28% students might be mild, moderate and severely prone to ID respectively.Conclusions: This study provided students with knowledge of ID and awareness of signs and symptoms for early detection of ID.