[Iron metabolism during pregnancy at high altitudes]

A comparative study of iron metabolism was conducted in pregnant women for three Peruvian localities of different elevations: Lima (sea level), La Oroya (3.700 m) and Puno (3.900 m). As predicted, the survey showed hematocrits and hemoglobin concentration values 20 to 30% higher in the Andean women, but the serum iron concentration was unexpectedly lower in Lima than at the higher localities (49 vs. 85 to 90 ug/dl). These results may be explained by the larger iron content found in the water consumed as well as in the cooking pottery utilized at high altitude.