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Iron sufficiency in the population of Northern Ireland: estimates from blood measurements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

J. J. Strain ,
K. A. Thompson ,
M. E. Barker  and
D. G. M. Carville
J. J. Strain
Affiliation:
Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, University of Ulster at Coleraine, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 ISA, Northern Ireland
K. A. Thompson
Affiliation:
Centre for Applied Health Studies, University of Ulster at Coleraine, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 ISA, Northern Ireland
M. E. Barker
Affiliation:
Centre for Applied Health Studies, University of Ulster at Coleraine, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 ISA, Northern Ireland
D. G. M. Carville
Affiliation:
Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, University of Ulster at Coleraine, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 ISA, Northern Ireland
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Abstract

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Estimates of iron status in a random sample (218 men, 283 women) of the Northern Ireland population (aged 18–64 years) were obtained from blood measurements. Multiple criteria were used to determine Fe deficiency and body Fe stores were calculated as an index of Fe sufficiency. Three distinct groups with respect to Fe stores were identified on the basis of sex and menstrual status. Estimates of body Fe stores, mean (and SD), were 13.4 (SD 5.97), 5.3 (SD 6.09) and 8.5 (SD 6.72) mM for men, women aged 18–44 years and women aged 45–64 years respectively. The prevalence of Fe-deficincy was low. ranging from 0.5% in men to 6.6% and 4.6% in the younger and older women respectively. The prevalence of Fe deficiency was low in men (1.4%) and older women (5.7%) rising to 11.0% in the younger group of women. The disproportionately elevated serum ferritin relative to transferrimn saturation supported the suggestion that chronic inflammation might have influenced Fe status measurements in men and older women.

Keywords

Iron statusBody iron storesInflammation
Type
Micronutrients
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 64 , Issue 1 , July 1990 , pp. 219 - 224
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1990

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