IRON
IRON DEFICIENCY IN VEGETARIANS
Australian scientists studied the dietary iron intake and
blood levels of iron in Australian men aged 20-50 years,
with varying degrees of dietary restriction. Results showed
that male vegetarians had higher iron intakes than omnivores.
Although their intakes were above recommended levels, their
blood iron levels were generally low, showing poor absorption.
Vegetarians are advised to drink fruit juices rich in vitamin
C with meals, to improve absorption, or to take iron supplements.
EUR. J. CLIN. NUTRIT. 1999, 53, 189-194
IRON DEFICIENCY AND MENTAL HEALTH
Scientists in America investigated the status of iron in
schoolchildren and compared the results with school records
to determine possible associations between nutritional deficiencies
and academic ability. Analysis of the data showed an increased
risk of mild to moderate mental retardation in children
who were anaemic during infancy.
AM. J. CLIN. NUTRIT. 1999, 69, 1, 115-9
HAZARDS OF IRON SUPPLEMENTS
Iron deficiency is usually corrected by supplements of
ferrous sulphate, which has side effects including constipation
and nausea. Scientists have been investigating the potentially
damaging effects of ferrous sulphate. Healthy volunteers
were given ferrous sulphate supplements (19mg elemental
iron) daily. Faecal iron loss was significantly increased
in both men and women, and colonic free radicals increased
by approximately 40%. More research is needed to investigate
the mucosal damage and production of potential carcinogens
caused by iron supplements.
AM. J. CLIN. NUTRIT. 1999, 69, 2, 250-255
IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA
Three gastroenterologists wrote to the BMJ recommending
gastrointestinal endoscopy in cases of iron deficiency anaemia,
allowing small mucosal lesions to be seen, blood loss to
be estimated directly, and biopsy samples to be taken (particularly
from the second part of the duodenum for coeliac disease).
They point out that only a small proportion of their patients
have symptoms or signs pointing to the cause, and that diagnoses
such as coeliac disease and carcinoma of the colon rarely
have other symptoms.
Goddard et al
BMJ 314, p1759
|
|
 |
|
