Iron status and socioeconomic determinants of the quantity and quality of dietary iron in a group of rural Iranian women.
Iron intake and status were investigated in 471 mothers (age range: 16-53 years) from rural areas in Khorramabad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Although average total iron intake was acceptable, only 6.4% of women derived at least 4% of their total intake from animal iron. Average energy and protein intakes were inadequate. Low iron status was seen in 8.2%-28.7%, depending on the parameter used, with 28.3% experiencing iron-deficiency anaemia. Significantly higher animal iron intakes were found in literate or employed women, or those of family size fewer than six people. Increasing employment opportunities, income levels and literacy rates for women will result in better iron intake and status and should receive particular attention in national planning.
Djazayery
A
A
Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Teheran University of Medical Sciences, Teheran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Keshavarz
A
A
Ansari
F
F
Mahmoudi
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002149:Energy Intake; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016387:Women's Health
D006454:Hemoglobins; D019266:Iron, Dietary