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Iron absorption in vegetarian children is decreased at higher calcium intakes (122.7)
Author(s) -
Abrams Steven,
Hawthorne Keli,
Chen Zhensheng
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.122.7
Subject(s) - bioavailability , transferrin saturation , serum ferritin , ferritin , absorption (acoustics) , zoology , chemistry , iron deficiency , iron status , calcium , medicine , anemia , biology , materials science , composite material , pharmacology
Vegetarian children may be at risk for poor iron (Fe) status due to either low intake or decreased bioavailability of dietary Fe. Using the stable isotope 57Fe, we measured Fe absorption in a group of vegetarian children 4 to 10 years of age (Mean 7.1 ± 2.1 y), with dietary Fe intakes averaging 13 ± 4.3 mg/d. Mean Fe absorption was 9.6 ± 6.6 % (SD) and mean serum ferritin was 27.4 ± 13.7 mg/mL. We found significant predictors of Fe absorption (n=29) to be age (t = ‐2.5, P < 0.01), transferrin saturation (TSat) (t = ‐3.8, P < 0.001), energy intake (t=3.0, P < 0.01), and calcium (Ca) intake (t = ‐3.9, P < 0.001). Dietary Fe, gender, body weight, height, and serum ferritin were not significantly related to Fe absorption efficiency (% absorption). Overall, 15 of 29 children had a TSat < 20% (8 were <15%) and 10 had a serum ferritin < 20 mg/mL. Those (n = 16) with dietary Ca intakes above 700 mg/day had a 15% Fe absorption whereas those with a Ca intake below that (n = 13) had a 5% Fe absorption (p < 0.0001) after adjustment for age, TSat, and energy intake. These data indicate that vegetarian children on self‐selected diets are at risk for poor Fe status that may be mediated in part by higher Ca intakes including those within the range of dietary recommendations. Although overall Fe absorption was adequate to meet growth requirements, the need for calcium to meet bone health requirements suggests that vegetarian children with only non‐heme Fe intake may require higher dietary intakes of Fe.