Iron intake and transferrin saturation in adolescents

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Nutrition
• Iron Metabolism
• Public Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency is a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents.
• Dietary intake and body iron stores are influenced by various factors, including physiological and socioeconomic ones.
• Understanding these influences is crucial for developing effective nutritional interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between maturity, age, race, sex, and income level on dietary iron intake and body iron stores (transferrin saturation) in healthy adolescents.
• To identify key demographic and developmental factors influencing iron status in this population.
• To provide updated normative data for physicians and nutritionists.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving healthy adolescents.
• Assessment of dietary iron intake through food records or recalls.
• Measurement of body iron stores using percent transferrin saturation.
• Statistical analysis to determine the significance of maturity, age, race, sex, and income level.

Main Results:

• Maturity rating, sex, and race were significant factors influencing iron intake and transferrin saturation.
• Family income level was not a significant factor.
• Iron intake increased with maturity in both sexes, with boys consuming more than girls.
• White adolescents had slightly higher iron intake than black adolescents.
• A wide range of iron intakes was observed, with no significant correlation between dietary iron quantity and transferrin saturation.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent iron status is significantly associated with maturity, sex, and race.
• Normative data for dietary iron intake and transferrin saturation, stratified by sex, race, and maturity, are presented.
• These norms can aid healthcare professionals in assessing and managing iron status in adolescents.