Factors affecting iron status in 15-30 year old female students

Limited Australian data are available on iron status and factors affecting iron status in young women. Iron status was assessed in a population of 15-30 year old students using standard haematological and biochemical tests. Data were collected on demographic details and known risk factors for iron deficiency, including diet. Iron deficiency was present in 7.2% and iron deficiency anaemia in 4.5% of this population, comparable to previously published Australian data. Using logistic regression, the factors found to be associated with low iron stores (serum ferritin <20 μg/L) included high social status, low haem iron intake, high calcium intake, a high menstrual score and a recent history of blood donation in women with BMI<24. Of these factors, increasing haem iron consumption (meat, chicken and fish) is the most appropriate and easily modifiable factor for public health intervention in this age group.