[Iron stores, iron deficiency and iron supplementation]

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Hematology

Background:

• Denmark repealed its 1939 order mandating iron supplementation in corn products.
• Assessing iron deficiency prevalence is crucial for public health nutritional strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in the Danish population post-fortification repeal.
• To compare iron deficiency rates with Sweden, a country with high iron enrichment and supplement sales.

Main Methods:

• A randomized cross-sectional study involving 198 participants aged 20-69.
• Measurements included serum iron, serum transferrin, and serum ferritin levels.
• Iron deficiency defined by serum ferritin < 15 µg/L and transferrin saturation < 16%.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency prevalence was 18% (serum ferritin) and 18% (transferrin saturation) in women under 45.
• Severe iron deficiency (low ferritin and transferrin saturation) affected 6% of women under 45.
• Prevalence in men was significantly lower: 1% (serum ferritin) and 3% (transferrin saturation).
• No significant difference in latent iron deficiency compared to Sweden, but severe depletion appeared less common in Sweden.

Conclusions:

• The study provides baseline data on iron deficiency in Denmark after fortification changes.
• Results suggest potential differences in severe iron depletion compared to Sweden, warranting further investigation.
• Methodological variations may influence cross-country comparisons.