title: Iron absorption from South-East Asian diets and the effect of iron fortification.
abstract: The increase in iron absorption was measured when different amounts of ferrous sulphate were added to rice-based South-East Asian meals. The study comprised 158 subjects--118 women and 40 men. Iron fortification of simple meals composed of rice, boiled vegetables, and a curry to a level of 5 mg of iron per meal increased the absorption by about 0.2 to 0.3 mg of iron per meal. The additionof fish to such a meal doubled the absorption increase at a fortification level of 5 mg per meal. This absorption increase was about the same as obtained with composite western-type meals containing fish or meat. The results indicate that iron fortification programs may be effective in countries with rice-based diets provided that there is a suitable vehicle available for fortification.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000328:Adult; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000517:prevention & control; D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005396:Fish Products; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D012275:Oryza; D014675:Vegetables
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D007501:Iron