The relationship between dietary/eating habit and iron status among young girls and college women in Korea

초록

Purpose: Iron deficiency anemia occurs in adolescent girls because of accelerated physical growth, menstrual bleeding and dieting . This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency in apparently healthy Korean adolescent females and college women in relation to their dietary habits. Materials and Methods: Besides obtaining diet history, blood samples were obtained from healthy students aged from 11 to 24 to measure hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, RBC indices, serum ferritin levels, iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Results: Eight hundred and seventeen females aged from 11 to 24 years were included in this study. The mean Hb concentration was 13.1 g/dL in the 11 to 12 year group, and 12.7 g/dL in the 17 to 18 year group. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 28% in the females aged from 11 to 14 years, 37% in those aged from 15 to 18 years, and 31% in those aged from 19 to 24. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was 9% in the 11 to 14 year group, 19% in the 15 to 18 year group, and 13% in those aged 19 to 24. The mean iron intake was only 52% of Korean RDA (18 mg/day) in urban areas and 44% in rural areas. The proportion of students who skipped regular meals was variable among different age group; 21% in students aged 11 to 14; 49% in those aged 15 to 18; and 53% aged 19 to 24. The proportion of iron deficiency was significantly higher in females skipping regular meals than those having regular 3 meals. In addition, iron deficiency status more prevalent in the girls having menstruation than in those without menarche. Conclusion: This study shows that iron deficiency status is high in teenage girls and college women in Korea, which is often associated with their dietary habits. Nutritional assessment and laboratory screening of iron status is warranted for teenage girls and college women in Korea.