Assessment of the iron status of Filipino adolescents
Kuizon, M.D.; Natera, M.G.; Ancheta, L.P.; Platon, T.P.; Desnacido, J.A.; Macapinlac, M.P.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 13(1): 81-85
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 7112217 Document Number: 185322
The Fe nutritional status of 1153 Filipino adolescents from low, medium and high socio-economic groups was assessed by determination of Hb, FEP , serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. Prevalence rates of Fe deficiency based on FEP and serum ferritin were higher for females than for males. Fe deficiency was more prevalent among adolescents from low socio-economic families. The high prevalence of Fe deficiency (24.4%) based on FEP among females from the low socio-economic group may be due to inadequate Fe intake and low availability of dietary Fe since 79.7% came from vegetable sources. Compared to FEP and transferrin saturation, serum ferritin determination appeared to be more sensitive as an indicator of Fe status.