title: Dietary determinants of and possible solutions to iron deficiency for young women living in industrialized countries: a review.
abstract: Iron deficiency is a concern in both developing and developed (industrialized) countries; and young women are particularly vulnerable. This review investigates dietary determinants of and possible solutions to iron deficiency in young women living in industrialized countries. Dietary factors including ascorbic acid and an elusive factor in animal protein foods (meat; fish and poultry) enhance iron absorption; while phytic acid; soy protein; calcium and polyphenols inhibit iron absorption. However; the effects of these dietary factors on iron absorption do not necessarily translate into an association with iron status and iron stores (serum ferritin concentration). In cross-sectional studies; only meat intake has consistently (positively) been associated with higher serum ferritin concentrations. The enhancing effects of ascorbic acid and meat on iron absorption may be negated by the simultaneous consumption of foods and nutrients which are inhibitory. Recent cross-sectional studies have considered the combination and timing of foods consumed; with mixed results. Dietary interventions using a range of focused dietary measures to improve iron status appear to be more effective than dietary approaches that focus on single nutrients or foods. Further research is needed to determine optimal dietary recommendations for both the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore City 0745, New Zealand. k.l.beck@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Kathryn L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore City 0745, New Zealand. c.conlon@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Cathryn A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Conlon
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore City 0745, New Zealand. r.kruger@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Rozanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kruger
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore City 0745, New Zealand. j.coad@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coad
mesh_terms: D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000494:pharmacology; D019049:Developed Countries; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects*; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008460:Meat; D010833:Phytic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000494:pharmacology; D030262:Soybean Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D019266:Iron, Dietary; D059808:Polyphenols; D030262:Soybean Proteins; D010833:Phytic Acid; D007501:Iron; D001205:Ascorbic Acid