[Correction of iron and immune deficiencies in students from a higher humanitarian educational establishment]

Examinations of 29 female students of a study medical group have ascertained that daily addition of vitamins (ascorutin, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, and folic acid) to a diet resulted in a slight enhancement in trace element metabolism and hence in an increase in the intestinal and renal excretion of iron, copper, and manganese. Two-week dietary supplement of vitamins in combination with trace elements (iron, copper, and manganese) caused a considerable retention of iron and manganese concurrently with a higher excretion of copper from the body. At the same time, the higher rate of hemopoiesis and the elevated plasma levels of iron and formed blood elements, and the rise in non-specific responsiveness and physical fitness were more noticeable as compared to their normal values. A significant positive correlation was found between the direct and indirect indices of iron metabolism on one hand and the parameters of natural immunity defense and physical fitness on the other.