1A-S3-1

IRON DEFICIENCY: A CONTINUING PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Binns CW, Rangan A, Lee MK

Australia

On a worldwide basis iron deficiency remains the most common micro-nutrient deficiency, although with many nee initiatives, the situation appears to be improving. However in Australia and other western countries, changes in dietary patterns may again increase the prevalence of marginal and more severe iron deficiency. Major National Nutrition surveys in 1983 and 1995 show significant changes in dietary patterns. Iron consumption in adolescent girls has fallen, and heme iron has fallen even further. This decline can be attributed to a 40% decline in red meat consumption this period.

A study of 255 female high school and university students in Perth showed that the level of iron stores was directly proportional to dietary heme iron and inversely proportional to calcium consumption. Anaemic subjects scored significantly higher on the GHQ than non- anaemic subjects (p<0.05). Amongst iron deficient subjects, those using the oral contraceptive pill reported significantly more symptoms (depression, irritable, difficulty concentrating) than non-users. The oral contraceptive pill may be associated with depression, irritability and difficulty and difficulty concentrating in iron deficient women.

The problem with adolescent iron consumption illustrates the importance of a consistent wholistic approach to nutrition education. In the 1960’s and 70’s the emphasis on reducing fat consumption lead most nutrition educators to recommend reducing or eliminating red meat. In the 80’ and 90’s nutrition education has emphasized the importance of calcium consumption in women and RDA’s for calcium have been increased. A balanced approach to the development of dietary guidelines and to nutrition education is essential in young women in this age group.