[Iron deficiency and anemia in professional working women]

The hematological indices (Hb, Ht, MCHC) and iron status (serum iron, TIBC, LIBC, transferrin saturation), the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in 224 women aged 31 to 47 years, working in textile industry in Lódź were examined. Nutritional status was evaluated as follow: body height and weight, body mass index (BMI kg/m2) and body fat content (%) calculated from the four skinfolds sum. Anemia (Hb < 12 g/dl) was stated in 11.2% participating women, evident iron deficiency (Fes < 60 micrograms/dl, Sat % < 16) in 13.4% of population. The positive correlation was found among hematological indices and body weight, body mass index and body fat content and relationships among iron status indices (Fes mu/dl, Sat%-positive correlation; TIBC microgram/dl, LIBC microgram/dl-negative relationship) and body fat content (%). The prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia were lower than in other women population in Poland examined in 1974-1986. The relationships among energy and protein nutrition and iron status and iron deficiency anemia suggest, that the menstruating overweight women or with obesity may be the group with lower risk of iron deficiency anemia.