• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.139-148
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• 1999

This study was designed to assess the iron nutritional status of girls at puberty in Kangnung area. The subjects consisted of 161 adolescents in sixth-grade in primary school and first-grade in middle school girls. Anthropometric measurements were taken for body weight, height, percentage of body fat, and circumferences of waist and hip. Nutrient intakes were assessed by modified 24-hour recall method. Food models and other measuring tools were also used. Fasting blood samples were obtained and analyzed for hemoglobin(Hb) concentration, hematocrit(Hct), serum iron(FE) and total iron binding capacity(TIBC). Mean values for Hb, Hct, Fe, TIBC, TS and serum ferritin were $13.6{\pm}0.9g/dl$, $39.6{\pm}3.9%, 91.3{\pm}36.3{\mu}g/dl$, $327.9{\pm}45.2{\mu}g/dl$, $28.3{\pm}11.8%$ and $37.4{\pm}24.2ng/ml$, respectively. Prevalence of iron deficiency greatly varied by indices from 4.8% when judged by Hb to 18.4% by serum Fe concentration. The Hb concentration was positively correlated with Hct(r=0.641), serum iron(r=0.266) and transferrin saturation(r=0.237)(p<0.05). On the other hand, serum ferritin concentration showed significantly negative correlation with TIBC(r=-0.572). Mean daily intake of iron was 14.94mg and heme iron intake was 1.13mg and which was 7.6% of total iron intake. Total absorbable iron calculated by the method of Mosen was 1.38mg and bioavailability of dietary iron was 9.3%. These results suggest that the prevalence of iron deficiency of pubertal girls is very high, therefore the guidelines for diet and social supports, such as, school food service system should be provided to improve their iron status in middle school students.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.793-801
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• 1999

The purposes of this study are to assess iron status in mothers and their newborn infants at birth and to analyze the influence of maternal iron status on their newborn babies. Venous bloods samples were drawn from 144 pregnant women just before delivery and cord bloods of their newborn babies were collected immediately after birth for measurement of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, ferritin, total binding capacity and transferrin saturation. The values of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly lower in the mothers(10.9$\pm$1.43g/dl and 33.7$\pm$3.67%) than in their newborn infants(14.7$\pm$1.43g/dl and 45.3$\pm$4.76%)(p<0.0001). At delivery, serum iron levels in cord blood were about twice as high as those in the maternal blood, and serum ferritin levels in the cord blood were about four times higher than those in the maternal blood. The serum ferritin levels of multigravidas were higher than those of primigravidas,. but there was no difference between the serum ferritin levels of their infants. The serum ferritin levels of the mothers and their infants were higher in maternal group with iron supplement regularly than in other maternal group without iron supplement during pregnancy. Among the mothers, 26.4% had a serum ferritin levels below 12ng/ml(i.e. depleted iron stores)and 78.9% had a hemoglobin below 12g/dl(i.e.iron deficient anemia). When the maternal group was classified according to their serum ferritin levels by 9ng/ml, 12ng/dl or 20ng/ml, there was no significant difference in the iron status of their newborn infants among the three groups. The hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels of the mothers were well correlated with those of their babies. The maternal hemoglobin values negatively correlated with infant birth weight. It is possible that the demands of iron of the mother might be increased in the case of a newborn infant of greater size. The results of this study provide useful information regarding establishment of RDA for iron in pregnant women and guidance about the need for iron supplement during pregnancy.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.305-310
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• 2001

Iron deficient anemia in piglets could be overcome by supplementary iron. Overloaded iron induced peroxidation of cell membrane and increased malonaldehyde (MDA). Antioxidant activity of vitamin C has been studied in iron-overloaded swine plasma. Erythrocyte fragility, MDA, glutathione, vitamin A, and vitamin E were measured in swine plasma with or without iron (0~1mg/dl) and vitamin C (0~10mg/dl). Erythrocyte fragility increased from 8% to 45% in iron group and reduced from 57% to 43% in vitamin C group with dose dependant response. MDA was $0.94{\pm}0.05$ and $1.86{\pm}0.10$ nmol/ml in piglet and pig, respectively, and significantly high in pig (p<0.05). Iron increased MDA from $1.86{\pm}0.10$ to $9.46{\pm}0.04$ nmol/ml in pig, but not in piglet (p<0.05). Vitamin C reduced MDA from $9.46{\pm}0.04$ to $4.80{\pm}0.10$ nmol/ml in pig. Iron increased glutathione from $90.12{\pm}0.10$ to $108.52{\pm}5.29$ nmol/dl in pig, and vitamin C reduced glutathione from $108.52{\pm}5.29$ to $93.52{\pm}2.44$ nmol/dl (p<0.05). Vitamin A and E were $24.86{\pm}2.70$ to $138.29{\pm}6.70{\mu}g/dl$, respectively in iron group, and $35.76{\pm}0.60$ to $177.21{\pm}2.95{\mu}g/dl$, respectively in supplementary vitamin C group (p<0.05). These data indicated an antioxidant activity of vitamin C in iron-overloaded swine plasma.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.8
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• pp.827-833
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• 2008

Purpose : Early identification of iron deficiency in young children is essential to prevent damaging long-term consequences. It is often difficult for the pediatrician to know which indices should be used when diagnosing these conditions especially in hospitalized young children. This study investigated the clinical significances of reticulocyte hemoglobin content in young children with acute infection. Methods : We studied 69 young children aged from 6 to 24 months admitted with acute infection in a single center. Venous blood was drawn to determine hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin content (CH), reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) using ADVIA 120 (Bayer Diagnostics, NY, USA). For evaluating iron status, iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin and transferrin saturation (Tfsat) were determined. Iron deficiency was defined as Tfsat less than 20%, and iron deficiency anemia as Tfsat less than 20% and Hb level less than 11 g/dL. Results : In all, 47 were iron deficient; 17 of these had iron deficiency anemia. CHr was the only significant predictor of iron deficiency (likelihood ratio test=71.25; odds ratio=0.67; P<0.05). Plasma ferritin level had no predictive value (P=0.519). Subjects with CHr less than 27.4 pg had lower Hb level, MCH, CH, Tfsat, and iron levels than those with CHr 27.4 pg or more (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion : CHr level was a sensitive screening tool and the strongest predictor of iron deficiency in hospitalized infants with acute infection; it was cost saving and avoiding additional sampling. However its reference range should be established.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.243-252
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• 2000

This study examined the effects of excess intake of calcium(Ca) and iron(Fe) supplements on iron bioavailability, liver and kidney functions in anemic model rats. Seven-week-old female rats were first fed and Fe-deficient diet for ten weeks, and then fed one of nine experimental diets for an additional eight weeks, containing three levels of Ca, normal (0.5%) or high(1.5%) or excess (2.5%) and three levels of Fe, normal(35ppm) or high(210 ppm) or excess(350ppm). In anemic model rats, serum Fe, total iron binding capacity(TIBC), hemogolin(Hb), hematocrit(Hct) and liver Fe contents were significantly decreased. Apparent Fe absorption significantly increased with increasing dietary Fe levels, and decreased with increasing dietary Ca levels. serum Fe concentration significantly increased in rats fed a high- and excess-Fe diet, and decreased in rats fed a excess-Ca diet. TIBC was decreawed in rats fed a excess-Ca diet, and transferrin saturation(%) increased in rats fed ahigh- and excess-Fe diet. Hb and Hct were decreased in rats fed an excess-Ca diet regardless of dietary Fe levels. Fe and thiobarbituric acid reactin gsubstance(TBARS) Contents of liver significantly increased in rats fed a high- and excess0-Fe diet, and decreased in rats fed a high- and excess-Ca diet. Fe content of the spleen showed similar results. Urinary creatinine and GFR increased in rats fed an excess-Ca diet regardless of dietary Fe levels. GOT, GPT and LDH were not significantly affected by dietary Ca and Fe levels. These results suggest that excess intake of Fe may increase liver Fe deposits and TBARS, and excess intake of Ca may decrease Fe bioavailability and kidney function leading to potential health problems in anemic model rats.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2003

Purpose : Iron deficiency is still the most common nutrient deficient disorder despite the improvement in general health and nutrition. This study is designed to evaluate the dietary history of infants and young children with iron deficiency anemia(IDA) and the effects of nutritional counseling. Methods : This study was conducted on 120 children from 6 to 36 months of age with IDA. Their parents completed a questionnaire and took counsel for nutrition. IDA was defined as Hb <11.0 g/dL, ferritin <10 ng.mL or transferrin saturation <15%, or Hb increase >1 g/dL after iron preparation. The questionnaire consisted of their feeding patterns, weaning time and kinds of food. Results : In the 120 infants and young children aged from 6 to 36 months, the parents of 82 cases was counseled about nutrition. Fifty six infants among 82 cases have started weaning and the main foods of weaning were rice and/or rice gruel. Nutritional problems in weaning were that some children over one year of age were using a bottle, and parents restricted weaning food at will because of allergic disease or chronic disease. Most parents were satisfied with the nutritional counseling given from a clinical dietitian and showed good compliance. Conclusion : Many infants and young children with IDA were provided with non iron-fortified foods and made an inadequate wean. Most parents were satisfied with the nutritional counseling and showed good compliance. The need of dietary counseling was required for prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia because of inadequate weaning.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.5
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• pp.715-721
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• 1998

This study was performed to investigate how milk supplementation can benefit the elderly by increasing bone density but possibly harming the iron status concomitantly. Forty one elderly subjects over 65 years of age(male : 9, female : 32) participated. All subjects were apparently healthy, home staying and attending meal service for lunch at the welfare center. They were from low income area of Puchon city. One cup of milk per day was served for 10 months. The mean intake of calcium was significantly increased for females after milk supplementation. Males showed significantly increased means of triceps skinfold thickness, suprailiac skinfold thickness and waist circumference. Females showed significantly increased measurements fo three kinds of skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and hip circumference. There were no significant change in the mean bone density of lumbar spine$(L_2~L_4)$, femoral neck, ward's triangle and torchanter, but the proportion of osteopenia estimated by the T score of lumbar spine bone density was lowered from 50.0% to 34.6% for females. The mean Hb level was significantly for males. The proportion of anemia estimated by Hb(<12g/dl), Hct(<36%) and serum ferritin(<15mg/ml) were increased from 17.2% to 51.7%, from 20.7% to 44.8% and from 10.3% to 17.2%, respectively for females. It looks like milk supplementation can effect the intakes of several nutrients considered to be commonly deficient in the Korean diet fo elderly people, increase some anthropometric measurements, and decrease the proportion of osteopenia. However it can have adverse effects on iron status of females.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.128-136
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• 1999

This study was conducted to evaluate the workers' health conditions, nutritional status, food habits, and their needs for the nutrition programs at the worksite. Three hundred and fifty one(men 260, women 91) employees from 11 companies in urban area were recruited for the study. The results of this study were as follows : The average consumption of nutrients in the subjects' diets were found to be deficient such as total energy, calcium, iron, vitamin A and $B_2$. More than 42% of the subjects have at least one of the chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes mellitus, anemia, hypercholesterolemia, liver disease, and hypertension. Most subjects did not recognize their own blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or blood sugar level. Nutrition knowledge scores of the subjects were very low, which was only 52.4%. It should be noted that weight problems and other health problems of the employees at the worksite were frequently found among the employees who had relatively low nutrition knowledge scores. The nutrition programs for prevention of the obeses, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, stress, and smoking were urgently needed by the subjects. Many subjects also wanted the nutrition education programs for their family.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.7
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• pp.298-303
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of vitamin D deficiency and its association with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods: A total of 171 children aged less than two years underwent 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ tests between January 2007 and July 2009. The study was classified into two groups: normal and vitamin D insufficiency, by their vitamin 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ levels. Results: In total, 120 children were in the normal group (mean age, body weight and heights $12.5{\pm}7.0$, $9.3{\pm}0.9$ kg and $76.8{\pm}1.1$ cm), and 51 children in the vitamin D insufficiency group ($9.9{\pm}5.4$ months, $9.0{\pm}0.9$ kg and $75.1{\pm}0.9$ cm). Vitamin D insufficiency was most commonly diagnosed in the spring (44%). The proportion of complete breast-feeding was higher in the insufficiency (92%), and 25.5% of the children in the deficient group also experienced IDA compared that 12% of normal group. Ten children in the insufficiency group experienced bony changes. Six children received calcitriol medication in the normal group, in whom the mean vitamin 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ level increased from $39.6{\pm}14.6$ ng/mL (pre-medication) to $41.8{\pm}17.2$ ng/mL (post-medication), and 13 in the insufficiency group, in whom the mean vitamin 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ increased from $20.7{\pm}7.0$ ng/mL to a mean post-treatment level of $43.7{\pm}23.8$ ng/mL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that approximately 30% of children aged ${\leq}2$ years experienced vitamin D insufficiency associated with subclinical rickets. Many children also experienced concurrent IDA. Guidelines for vitamin D supplement in such children must therefore be established.