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Haemopoietic nutrient status of young nulliparous women

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Summary

The nutrient status and dietary records of 106 young low-income nulliparous females were evaluated. Serum vitamin B12 levels were assayed and both circulating and stored folate status were estimated by serum and red cell foliate bioassay. Haemoglobin and serum ferritin values were used to evaluate the iron pools and the general haematopoietic nutrient status of the subjects was compared with 3 day records of their dietary intake.

Dietary records revealed widespread inadequacies of both iron and folate intakes with 83% and 99% respectively consuming less than is currently recommended. Serum and red cell folate levels were deficient for 4% and 5% of the sample respectively, whereas serum vitamin B12 levels were adequate. Significantly, 36% of the subjects had low serum ferritins and 40% had sub normal Hb concentrations (<12 g/100 ml). Regression analysis showed a significant association between serum ferritin and available iron intake.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Health, Trinity College, Dublin 2

    Claire P. Wickham, Aengus O’Rourke, Leonard T. Condren & John P. Kevany

  2. Department of Haematclogy, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8

    Sean D. Broin, John M. Scott & John P. Kevany

Authors
  1. Claire P. Wickham
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  2. Sean D. Broin
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  3. Aengus O’Rourke
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  4. Leonard T. Condren
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  5. John M. Scott
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  6. John P. Kevany
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Additional information

The time and effort contributed to the study by the participants and staff from both the University General Practice and Helly Hansen Clothing Company are gratefully acknowledged as is the help of the staff of the Haematology Laboratory, St. James’s Hospital in the biochemical analysis.

This research was funded in part by the Provost’s Appeal Fund of Trinity College.

Mr. A. Kelly of the Statistiistics Department T.C.D. is also acknowledged for his statistical guidance.

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Wickham, C.P., Broin, S.D., O’Rourke, A. et al. Haemopoietic nutrient status of young nulliparous women. I.J.M.S. 154, 51–58 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937142

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