• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.532-539
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• 2000

The purpose of this research is to assess th iron nutritional status of pregnant women and to evaluate the appropriateness of the present cut off levels of hemoglobin(Hgb), hematocrit(Hct) and total iron binding capacity(TIBC) for assessing iron deficiency status. Pregnant women who were visiting public helath centers in Ulsan were interviewed and agreed to attend the study. Blood sample was taken and biochemical analysis of blood was performed. The collected data were classified into 3 trimesters by gestational age and then statistical analysis was performed. The prevalence of anemia in all subjects was 32.3% by WHO criteria(Hgb < 11.0g/dl) and 17.8% of all subjects was iron deficient anemia by CDC criteria(Hgb < 11.0/dl and serum ferritin < 12.0ug/l). Since the iron deficient anemia generally occures at the last stage of iron deficiency, it is not efficient to diagnose and prevent the iron deficient anemia in pregnant women by using the present cut off level of Hgb. Therefore, the new cut off level of iron status indices is necessary for assessing iron deficiency in early pregnancy before manifestation of anemia and for reducing the prevalence of anemia in later pregnancy. For this reason, the present cut off levels of iron status indices were estimated and compared by assessing the iron deficiency judged by serum ferritin level (<12.0ug/l)as true iron deficiency. It follows from the results of this research that present cut off levels of Hgb, Hct and TIBC were very insensitive in identifying the subjection with iron deficiency. The appropriate cut off levels of Hgb were 11.5g/dl for total period of pregnancy, 12.0g/dl for 1st and 3rd trimester, and 11.5g/dl for 2nd trimester. The cut off level of Hct was 34.0% for total period for pregnancy, 35.0% for 1st trimester, and 34.0% for 2nd and 3rd trimester. The cut off level of TIBC was 400ug/dl for total period, 360ug/dl for 1st 2nd trimester, and 450ug/dl for 3rd trimester.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.904-910
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• 1997

Evaluation of soy milk as an iron-rich milk substitute was conducted by feeding commercial soy milk , cow milk and mixed formula(soy and cow milk) to Wistar rats for 8 weeks. Body weight gains were significantly lower in the soy milk and mixed formula groups. Hematocrit, serum iron concentration and TIBC (total iron binding capacity) were measured to determine the iron status of the rats. In these respects, the iron status of the soy milk group was normal. Both serum iron concentration and TIBC as well as hematocrit were abnormal in the cow milk group , which is indictive of severe iron deficiency . Although hematocrit was normal in the mixed formula group, serum iron concentration was lightly low. The work capacities of each group were correlated with serum iron concentration and tIBC rather than hematocrit. The running distance of the soy milk group was about 10 -fold longer than that of the cow milk group. Soy milk may be considered an iron- rich substitute for cow milk due to its higher iron content and bioavailability.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.692-702
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• 1993

To evaluate iron nutritional status and to compare biochemical indices used for evaluation of iron nutriture, fasting blood sample was taken from 96 Korean female college student and hemoglobin(Hb) concentration, hematocrit(Hct), serum iron, total iron binding capacity(TIBC) and serum ferritin concentration were measured and transferrin(TF) saturation was calculated. Prevalence of iron deficiency varied from 4.2% when judged from Hb concentration and Hct to 38.5% and 40.6% when TIBC and serum ferritin concentration were used. TIBC was negatively correlated with serum ferritin(r=0.4561, p<0.001), while other indices showed positive but less significant correlations(p<0.05). Regarding iron status judged by serum ferritin was regarded as true iron status, the present cutoff points of Hb, Hct, serum iron, TF saturation were very insensitive in identifying the subjects with iron deficiency. Only TIBC was suitable for detecting iron deficiency in the study subjects. It is concluded from the study results that iron deficiency in young Korean adult women would be significantly underestimated with presently used biochemical measurements except TIBC and new cutoff points of these indices were proposed based on sensitivity, specificity measured prevalence, and positive and negative predictive values.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.52-55
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• 1998

This study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary iron intake on the immune status of male college students. Twenty healthy male university students participated in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 22.6 years old, mean height was 173.3 cm and mean body weight was 68.4 kg. The mean daily iron intake of the subjects was 19.9 mg, 158.1% of the Korean recommended dietary allowances (RDA). The blood iron status and immune responses of the subjects were analyzed and compared between the high dietary iron group consuming more than 100% of the RDA of iron (Hi-Fe) and the low dietary iron group consuming less than 100% of the RDA of iron (Low-Fe). The serum iron concentration and percent saturation of transferrin were within the normal range in both groups. However, the Hi-fe group had higher serum iron and percent saturation of transferrin than the Low-fe group (p<0.05). When differential white blood cell counts were compared, the Low-Fe group had a lower percentage of neutrophils than the Hi-Fe group (p <0.1). The plasma IL-2 concentration, immunoglobulin levels and lymphocyte subsets were not affected significantly by the differences in iron intake as shown in this study. Serum iron had a positive correlation with monocyte percentage but had a negative correlation with IgM concentration. The results of this study suggest that slightly-low dietary iron intake without anemia has no effects on the cell-mediated and humoral immunities of healthy male university students. However, natural defenses, such as neutrophils and monocytes, seem to be more sensitively affected by changes in dietary iron intake.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.679-688
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• 1999

The combined effects of iron and selenium status on glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity, cytochrome P-450 activity, and lipid peroxidation in the liver and intestinal mucosa of rats were investigated. In experiment one, four experimental groups (+Se+Fe, -Se+Fe, +Se++Fe, -Se++Fe) were manipulated for 3 weeks with intramuscular administration of irondextran (++Fe) and/or normal diet (+Fe) and deionized water (-Se) and/or selenium-supplemented deionized water (+Se). In experiment two, 2% dietary carbonyl iron (instead of the parenteral administration) was fed for 3 weeks to rats. Body weight of rats was significantly decreased in both parenterally and orally iron-overloaded groups (p<0.01), regardless of Se supplement. Serum iron was significantly increased in parenterally iron-overloaded groups but it was marginally increased in orally iron-overloaded groups. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin content among experimental groups in either experiment one or two. Total iron in the small intestine, intestinal mucosa, and livers was significantly high in both parenterally and orally iron-overloaded rats, regardless of selenium status. In the liver and intestine, GSHPx activity was significantly higher in all selenium-supplemented groups, compared to Se-deficient groups (p<0.01) and lipid peroxidation was significantly enhanced in both parenterally and orally iron-overloaded groups, compared to iron-adequate groups. There was no significant difference in cytochrome P-450 activity in the livers between groups in both experiment one and two. These results indicated that GSHPx activity in liver and intestinal mucosa was depended on selenium status, regardless of iron status, and iron-overload enhances lipid peroxidation in liver and intestinal mucosa by increasing the tissue iron content.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.218-222
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• 2004

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the world's most common nutritional problem. It is characterized by a low hemoglobin (Hb) level and low iron status. A study was conducted to investigate the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in day scholar girls belonging to different socioeconomic strata at Punjab University, Lahore. Iron status of the subjects was estimated by measuring Hb, hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCR), serum iron, serum ferritin, total protein and albumin. Results indicated that females belonging to low socioeconomic strata had lower values for Hb, Hct, RBC count, total protein and albumin. Serum iron, serum ferritin, MCV and MCH values fell within the normal range for all of the socioeconomic groups. However, serum iron and ferritin varied with socioeconomic status and higher-income groups had significantly higher serum iron and ferritin. It was concluded that anemia may develop due to poor intake and absorption of iron and that those in the low-income bracket are the most affected group.

• 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.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.362-370
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• 2007

The study was designed to assess the effect of iron and cereal supplementation on children's iron nutritional status in social welfare institutions. Dietary survey was carried out methods of food weighing and record by interview (n=74). A nutritional intervention study was carried out through supplementing iron supplements and cereal for 4 weeks in 4-12 years old children. Children received daily 40 mg elemental Fe as iron protein succinylate (n=23) and 3.6 mg elemental Fe as 100 g cereal (n=24), respectively. Blood samples were drawn before and after supplementation. Nutrients which children's intake was less than two-thirds of the RDA were vitamin A, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, calcium and iron. The mean daily intake of iron was 5.1 mg for male and 4.9 mg for female, and 52.3% for male and 45.4% for female of Korean RDA. The proportion of children with iron depletion assessed by TIBC (> 360 ${\mu}g$/dl) and serum ferritin (< 20 ng/ml) were 56.6% and 58.7%, respectively. The proportion of children with the iron deficient erythropoiesis assessed by serum iron (< 70 ${\mu}g$/dl), Hb (< 12 g/dl), Hct (< 36%) were 76.0%, 58.7%, 64.0%, respectively. After iron supplements treatment, Hb (p<0.001), Hct(p<0.001), serum iron (p<0.001), transferrin saturation (p<0.001) and serum ferritin (p<0.Ol) increase significantly and only TIBC decreased slightly. After cereal supplementation, in anemic children, Hct (p<0.001), serum iron (p<0.001) and transferrin saturation (p<0.001) were significantly increased. The effect of iron supplements and cereal supplementation in children with iron deficient erythropoiesis were more effective to improve the iron nutritional status than children with iron depletion. It was concluded that cereal supplementation program in anemic children was also effective to improve iron nutritional status.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.32 no.8
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• pp.887-896
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• 1999

The purpose of this research is to assess hematological and biochemical status and the prevalence of iron deficiency of pregnant women by gestational age to provide the primary data about iron nutritional status of pregnant women. Pregnant women visiting public health centers in Ulsan participated in study and were divided into 3 trimester by last menstrual period(LMP). Hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit(Hct)and mean corpuscular volume(MCV) among iron status indices were not statistically different from normal distribution, however total iron binding capacity(TIBC) and serum ferritin were skewed to left and serum iron and transferrin saturation(TS) were skewed to right. Hgb was positively correlated with Hct(r=0.93, p<0.001) but TIBC was negatively correlated with all indices. Serum ferritin was also correlated with all indices, especially in 3rd trimester but not reached to 1st trimester level. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC), Red cell distribution width(RDW), serum iron and TS were not significantly different by trimester, however when serum serum iron was adjusted with hematocrit to correct the hemodilution, it significantly decreased in 2nd trimester. MCV increased in 2nd trimester and was maintained until late pregnancy, TIBC continued to increase throughout the trimester. The prevalence of anemic by CDC(Centers for Disease Control) Hgb criteria(Hgb <11.0g/dl in 1st and 3nd trimester, Hgb<10.5g/dl in 2nd trimester) was 2.8% in 1st trimester, 22.5% in 2nd trimester, 27.1% in 3rd trimester and was similar with prevalence by CDC Hct criteria(Hct < 33% in 1st and 3rd, Hct < 32% in 2nd). The prevalence of anemic of total subjects was 32.7% by WHO criteria(Hgb < 11.0g/dl). Although almost iron status indices increased in 3rd trimester, the prevalence of anemia by different criteria of all indices increased throughout the trimester, so iron nutritional status was considered as serious during late pregnancy. However, since factors other than iron deficiency, such as infection, infection, inflammation, other nutrient deficiency may also play a significant role, to differentiate the anemia due to mainly iron deficiency from the anemia due to other factors, serum ferritin is among the more useful indices in distinguishing the two conditions because it is depressed only in iron deficiency. Hgb<11.0g/dl and serum ferritin<12.0ug/L as the criteria of iron deficiency was suggested by CDC. 17.8% of all subjects were classified as iron deficient anemia, 14.9% as anemic from other reasons, 21.2% as iron deficiency any only 46.2% were in normal iron status.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.52-56
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• 2007

This research analyzed the iron status, clinical symptoms and physical characteristics between normal and anemic group of middle school girls in the Ulsan metropolitan area. It was carried out with 237 subjects (normal 190, anemic subject 47). They were evaluated with a questionnaire and measurement of hematological indices. BMI $(kg/m^2)$ of the two groups were $19.54{\pm}2.44$ (normal girls) and $19.22{\pm}2.27$ (anemic girls). The hemoglobin concentration of the anemic girls were $10.84{\pm}1.17g/dl$ and the serum iron of the anemic girls represent $35.15{\pm}27.47{\mu}g/100ml$. The TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) of the anemic girls showed significantly high to $449.30{\pm}64.87{\mu}g/100ml$. The serum ferritin of the anemic girls was $20.53{\pm}42.29{\mu}g\ell$, it represented significantly low. The symptom of 'pale face' of the anemic girls were higher than the normal girls. Hemoglobin and serum iron were negatively correlated with 'pale face'. The TIBC was negatively correlated with 'Get a cold easily'. The duration and amount of menstruation were correlated with iron status. This research is to be utilized as basic data for dietary support and nutritional education to improve their iron status.