• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.533-543
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine the iron status of preschool children in Ulsan, Korea. The study was con-ducted using 95 children aged 3 to 6 years by investigating the anthropometric indices and assessing the dietary intakes and biochemical analysis. A questionnaire for dietary intakes using 24-hr recall method were carried out by the mothers of the 95 subjects. And also a study was conducted to assess hematological and biochemical status of iron and prevalence of iron deficiency. The average height and weight were 105.4 $\pm$ 7.0 cm, 18.7 $\pm$ 3.2 kg in boys, 103.8 $\pm$ 6.7 cm, 17.6 $\pm$ 2.7 kg in girls. These were lower than the body growth standard values of Korean pediatrics. There was not a significant difference in both between boys and girls. For the daily nutrient intake, energy was 1201.5 $\pm$ 280.9 kcal (79.3$\%$RDA), protein was 63.8 $\pm$ 28.2 g (219.4$\%$RDA), iron was 11.9 $\pm$ 4.5 mg (133.2$\%$RDA). The iron nutritional status by hematological assay found that Hct was 34.7 $\pm$ 2.0 ($\%$), Hb was 12.0 $\pm$ 0.8 g/dl, RBC was 4.3 $\pm$ 0.3 ($10^6/{\mu}l$), MCV was 80.5 $\pm$ 3.0 fL, MCH was 27.8 $\pm$ 1.1 pg and MCHC was 34.6 $\pm$ 0.6 g/dl. The biochemical measurement of serum iron was 75.6 $\pm$ 30.3 ${\mu}g$/dl, TIBC was 320.3 $\pm$ 34.1 ${\mu}g$/dl, serum ferritin was 30.0 $\pm$ 14.8 ${\mu}g$/dl, Zinc-Protophor-phyrin (ZPP) was 32.7 $\pm$ 8.0 ${\mu}g$/dl, and ZPP/Heme was 71.1 $\pm$ 19.5 ($\mu$mole/mol heme). The prevalence with Hct, Hb, TS and serum ferritin less than cut-off value was $8.4\%,\;9.5\%,\;12.6\%$ and $4.4\%$ respectively. But the prevalence of iron deficiency estimated with ZPP and ZPP/Heme criteria were $25.3\%$ and $27.4\%$, and were higher than in case of any other indices. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia ((low Hb (< 11.0 g/dl) and low serum ferritin (< 10 ${\mu}g$/L) or low TS (3-4 yews: < $12\%$, 5-6 years: < $14\%$)) was found in only one 3 year old girl. The prevalence of iron deficiency except Hct and Hb was the highest in 3 year group, but the prevalence by Hct and Hb was the highest in 5 year group. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia do not seem to be a major public health problem in preschool children in Ulsan.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.350-360
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• 2017

Purpose: This study examined and compared the associations of the iron status and food intake with the blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations among Korean adolescent girls, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Methods: The data from the 2010~2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) was used. The subjects were classified into three groups: adolescent girls (n = 268), premenopausal women (n = 1,157), and postmenopausal women (n = 446). The iron status was assessed by hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, and iron concentrations, as well as the total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The food intake was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The blood heavy metal concentrations and poisoning rate in postmenopausal women were higher than in the other groups. The iron status in the adolescent girls and postmenopausal women was higher than that in the premenopausal women. In the adolescent girls, the iron status was inversely associated with the blood cadmium concentration. The dairy food intake was inversely related to the blood lead and cadmium concentrations. In premenopausal women, the iron status was inversely associated with the cadmium concentrations. The fish and shellfish food intakes were positively associated with the mercury concentrations. In postmenopausal women, the iron status was positively associated with the mercury and cadmium concentrations. Fast foods and fried foods were inversely associated with the lead concentration. Conclusion: The premenopausal women showed a lower iron status than the adolescent girls and postmenopausal women. The associations of the iron status with the blood heavy metal concentrations were different among the adolescent girls, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. In addition, the relationships of the food intakes with the blood heavy metal concentrations differed among adolescent girls, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Further studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2003

This study was designed to assess the nutritional iron status and anemia of middle school girls. Three-hundred-fifty- three female subjects in Ulsan metropolitan city were evaluated using a questionnaire, and hematological indices. The average height and weight of the respondents were 157.19 $\pm$ 5.57 cm and 51.06 $\pm$ 9.42 kg respectively. The average Body Mass Index (BMI, $kg/m^2$) was 20.63 $\pm$ 3.23, which was within the normal range. With regard to clinical symptoms, the greatest number of respondents reported that they experienced 'decreased ability to concentrate'. The total caloric intake of each subject was 1743.28 $\pm$ 343.47 kcal(83.01% of the Korean RDA) and the calcium intake was 634.98 $\pm$ 201.43 mg (79.37% of the Korean RDh) . The mean daily intake of iron was 14.76 : 4.36 mg (92.25% of the Korean RDh) and the heme iron intake was 6.12 $\pm$ 2.30 mg, which was 41.5% of the total iron intake. The average hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of the subjects was 13.24 $\pm$ 1.01 g/dl, and the average hematocrit (Hct) level was 37.79 $\pm$ 4.10%. The transferrin saturation {TS (%)} was 19.41 $\pm$ 9.21%, and the ferritin level was 26.26 $\pm$ 18.60 ng/ml. The iron deficiency anemia among the subjects was estimated at 6.1% by using Hb (< 12 g/ml), 20.5% by using Hct (< 36%), 30.8% by using 75 (< 14%) , and 23.1% by using ferritin (< 12 ng/ml) The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) showed a negative correlation with the Hb, iron, ferritin and 75. With regard to the correlation between blood biochemistry and clinical symptoms related to anemia, the Hb concentration was negatively correlated with 'pale face'(p < 0.05) . In addition, the level of iron was significantly and negatively correlated with 'poor memory' (p<0.01) and the ferritin concentration was negatively correlated with 'no appetite '(p < 0.05) ,'pale face (p < 0.05) . These results suggest that the prevalence of iron deficiency among middle school girls is very high; therefore, guidelines on dietary support and nutritional education to improve their dietary iron status should be provided.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2003

Iron deficiency and anemia are severe nutrition problems in most of Korea. Iron intake, especially iron with better bioavailability is insufficient over a total age group. Recent changes in diet and life style of Koreans have been repeatedly suggested problems caused by excess nutrient intake rather than under intake. Despite the changes in diet patterns, iron deficient anemia is still prevalent in many parts of Korea. Eight hundred and fifty subjects (323 male and 527 female subjects) in Asan were recruited from farming, factory and urban area. Each subject was interviewed to assess nutrients intakes according to a 24hr-recall method. Twelve hour fasting blood samples were collected to vacutainer with EDTA for hemoglobin (Hb) and separate the tubes for serum iron (SI) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The mean serum iron value of female subjects in the factory area was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the female subjects in the urban area although subjects in urban area showed significantly higher the dietary iron intake for both the men and woman (p < 0.05). Dietary iron intake for the younger women was lowest in the farming area and those in the urban area showed the highest dietary iron intake (p < 0.05). When the dietary iron intake was compared by different the age groups, dietary iron intake of the older women from animal sources was less than that of younger women in the urban area (p < 0.05). Dietary iron intake of Asan residents was not sufficient regardless of age, sex and regions and intake of heme iron was especially lower than nonheme iron. (J Community Nutrition 5(1) : 37∼43, 2003)

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.943-951
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• 2002

This study was designed to investigate the effects of iron supplementation and nutrition education on the iron status and anemia of high school girls. The subjects resided in Ulsan city in Korea and were already diagnosed as having anemia or iron deficiency. Over a period of three months, one iron tablet (80 mg Fe as ferrous sulfate/day) was administered to the iron deficient subjects and two tablets (160 mg Fe as ferrous sulfate/day) were administered to the anemia subjects. The average height and weight of anemia subjects were 161.24 $\pm$ 4.50 cm and 50.87 $\pm$ 5.86 kg, respectively. The average BMI (kg/$m^2$ )was 19.58 $\pm$ 2.03 and the PIBW(percent ideal body weight) were 92.52 $\pm$ 9.84%. Except for vitamin A and vitamin C intakes, the intake levels of all other nutrients were below the RDA. Total calorie intakes of anemia subjects were 73.5% of RDA. The iron intakes of subjects from food were 69. 1% of RDA and the Ca intakes were 59.1% of RDA. The basal hemoglobin(Hb) concentration of anemia subjects averaged 10.77 $\pm$ 1.33 g/dl, and this increased significantly (p < 0.001) to 12.12 $\pm$ 1.08 g/dl, after iron supplementation. The basal ferritin, and transferrin saturations ｛TS (%)｝of anemia subjects were 12.51 $\pm$ 15.19 ng/$m\ell$ and 8.43 $\pm$ 7.56%, respectively, and these significantly increased to 20.59 $\pm$ 22.39 ng/$m\ell$ and 15.56 $\pm$ 12.87%, respectively. The level of total iron binding protein (TIBC) significantly decreased from the initial 486.80 $\pm$ 70.16 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl to 417.86 $\pm$ 67.73 $\mu\textrm{g}$/dl (p < 0.001) after iron supplementation. For the iron deficiency subjects, the ferritin, iron and TS(%) levels were increased significantly (p < 0.001) and the TIBC levels were significantly (p <0.001) decreased after iron supplementation. Anemia symptoms such as 'Feeling blue (p<0.05)', 'Decreased ability to concentrate (p<0.001)' and 'Poor memory (p<0.05)' improved significantly after iron supplementation in the anemia subjects. The number of tablets administered was positively correlated with changes in serum hemoglobin (t=0.194, p< 0.01), serum ferritin (t=0.181, p<0.01), TS(%) (t=0.141, p<0.05), and hematocrit (t=0.254, p<0.01), and was negatively correlated with changes in TIBC (t=-0.143. p<0.05) and red cell distribution width (RDW, t=-0.140, p<0.05). In conclusion, daily iron supplementation was effective in improving the iron status and reducing symptoms of anemia in high school girls. (Korean J Nutrition 35 (9) : 943~951,2002)

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2001

This study was designed to assess the iron nutritional status and anemia of high school students. 383 female subjects in Ulsan Metropolitan city were evaluated using a questionnaire, and a measurement of hematological indices. The average height and weight of the respondents were 161.24$\pm$4.90 cm and 53.12$\pm$6.37kg, repectively. The average BMI(body mass index) was 20.43$\pm$2.26 which was in the normal ramge. The average hemoglobin(Hb) concentration of the subjects was 13.14$\pm$0.97g/dl, and the average hematocrit(Hct) level was 40.84$\pm$17.40%. Transferrin saturation{TS(%)} was 20.86$\pm$10.32%, and the ferritin by Hct(＜36%), 27.2%by TS(＜14%),26.6% by ferritin(＜12 ng/ml). As for clinical symptoms, the greatest number of respondents reported that they experienced ‘decreased ability to concectrate’. Mean daily intakes of iron were 14.89$\pm$4.48 mg and heme iron intakes were 5.04$\pm$2.13 mg, which was 29.6% of total iron intake. The total iron binding capacity(TIBC) was negatively correlated with Hb concentration(r= -0.222, p＜0.01). Serum ferritin was positively correlated with Hb concentration(r= - 0.323, p＜0.05) and negatively correlated with TIBC(r= -0.367, p＜0.01). TS(%) was positively correlated with Hb concentration(r= 0.402, p＜0.01) and positively correlated with serum ferritin(r=0.413, p＜0.01). As for the correlation between blood biochemistry and clinical symptoms related to anemia, the Hb concentration was negatively correlated with ‘shortening of breath when going upstairs(p＞0.05)’ and ‘cold hands and feet’ significantly(r= -0.109, p＜0.05). The level of Mean corpuscular volume(MCV) was negatively correlated with ‘feel dizzy when standing up’,‘tired out easily’, and ‘decrease ability to concentrate’ significantly(p＜0.05). In particular, the level of Fe was negatively correlated with ‘shortening of breath when going upstairs’ and ‘feeling blue’ significantly(p＜0.01). These results suggest That the prevalence of iron deficiency of female high school students is very high, therefore guidelines for diet supports and nutrition education to improve their iron status should be provided.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 1998

The present study was designed to compare the nutrient intake and iron status of athletic female students majoring in aerobics (n=18) to those of age-matched(20-22 yr) sedentary controls (n=19). The athletic students were exercising regularly for 9.1$\pm$1.4 hrs/wk and the mean training period of aerobics was 2.9$\pm$0.2 years. Means of height, weight, and body mass index calculated as the Quetlet index were similar between athletic and sedentary students. However, mean body fat % of the athletic students (22.3$\pm$1.0%) was significantly lower than that of the sedentary controls (25.8$\pm$0.6%), indicating the effects of routine exercise. Mean daily iron intake was not significantly different between groups (9.9$\pm$0.7 mg vs. 10.9$\pm$0.8 mg), but much lower than the Korean RDA (18 mg/d) in both groups. Dietary calcium intake of the athletic students was significantly lower than that of the sedentary controls. Hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) values were significantly lower in the athletic students than in the sedentary students (Hct : 40.0$\pm$0.7% vs. 43.8$\pm$0.5% ; Hb : 12.6$\pm$0.3g/dl vs. 14.8$\pm$0.3 g/dl). However, other iron status values such as serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation were not significantly different between groups. Therefore, the low hemoglobin levels in the athletic group are probably due to plasma dilution in endurance-trained individuals. Serum ferritin level was a little lower in the athletic group, but no significant difference between groups was found. Serum triglyceride concentration in the athletic students was significantly lower than that in the control students. In conclusion the findings suggest that regular training of female athletes majoring in aerobics is associated with an increased risk of pseudoanemia due to plasma volume expansion and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease by decreasing body fat and blood lipid level.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.114-122
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• 2010

Se and Fe are trace minerals acting as antioxidant scavenging free radicals. Iron deficiency is the most frequently reported nutritional deficiency in females. Body iron status are known to be dependent not only upon dietary iron intake, but also upon micro-mineral nutrition and obesity. Antioxidants such as selenium are reported to play an important role on the regulation of erythropoiesis by protecting RBC membrane from antioxidative damage. In this study, iron status in young females and its relationships with selenium status and physique were examined. Serum selenium and iron concentrations were measured by HANARO research reactor using neutron activation analysis method (NAA-method). The proportion with iron deficiency and anemia were 27.1% and 8.6%, respectively in young females, but the proportion with iron deficient anemia was 1.4%. The mean serum selenium level was $12.0\;{\mu}g/dL$ and in normal range in the young women. The study participants were tertiled according to BMI and serum selenium levels. Serum ferritin and iron levels inclined with increasing BMI tertiles. Serum iron and RBC count were higher in middle selenium group than low selenium group. Individuals had significantly lower hematocrit level in the lowest tertile for their serum selenium levels compared with the highest tertile. The serum ferritin level was predicted 25% by BMI and RBC count 26.2% by the serum selenium level and body fat%. In conclusion, this study shows that body iron status in young adult females are influenced by obesity and body selenium status.

• Plant Resources
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 1998

Total iron content and ferritin distribution have been determined in red pepper(Capsicum annuum L.) during development stage under conditions of iron nutritional status from hydroponic culture. Color of the leaves become chlorotic on iron deficient and high concentration. The plant height on each iron concentration had retarding effect at concentration lower than $25\muM$ and greater than 125$25\muM$. In normal green leaves. Total iron content was almost constant with a mean value of $2.5\mumole$ of iron/mg of dry matter, except at 63day, for which it increases slightly to $4\mumole$. Howere, iron content of chlorotic plants grew on iron free medium was not almost detectable. Also in post chlorotic leaves(++Fe), iron content was evidently increase unitl 7days after transfer on liquid medium, but decreased from after 14days. Also, ferritin protein analysed total protein extracts prepared from leaves of different ages using antibodies raised against ferritin protein. Ferritin protein deereased progressively during the first week of germination and was not detectable in vegetative tissues. Ferritin protein in post chlorotic leaves wasevidently strongly cnhanced until 11days after transfer on liquid medium but decreased until the leves became chlorotic.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.90-101
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• 2002

This study was undertaken to investigate the nutrient intake, dietary behavior, perception of body image and iron deficiency of high school adolescent girls. The subjects were 463 high school girls in Inchon. This cross-sectional survey was conducted by questionnaires and data were analysed by SAS program. Nutrient intakes collected from 3 day-retails were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program. The following anthropometric measurements were made on all participants height, weight, body fat (%), skinfold thirkness, subscapular skinfold thickness, mid-upper arm circumference and waist-hip circumference. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for iron nutritional status. The mean obesity index of rural students were highest among students. However, over 18% of the urban and rural students belonged to the low-weight group. Proportions of skipping meals were most high in urban vocational students and the main reason was lack of time for meal. Most nutrient intakes of the students were below the RDA, in particular calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B$_2$. Most of the students were concerned with body image and weight control. Also they were not satisfied with their body image. The mean fell hemoglobin and transferrin saturation of rural students were lowest among students. The total binding capacity of urban vocational student\ulcorner were Invest among students. Prevalence of iron deficiency was most high in urban general students when judged by Hb, MCV and serum ferritin. In conclusion, this study indicates that nutrient intake in the female high school students was considerably lower than RDA. They should also be notified that severe weight control is very harmful for health. And they had lower self -satisfaction for their body image and undesirable flood habits. Therefore, prefer nutrition education is required to maintain desirable flood habits and improve their iron status in female high school students.