POPLINE Document Number: 299516
Author(s):
Diaz M
Rosado JL
Allen LH
Abrams S
Garcia OP
Source citation:
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003 Sep;78(3):436-440.
Abstract:
One potentially sustainable approach to improving iron status at the community level is to encourage the consumption of local ascorbic acid-rich foods, in conjunction with meals high in nonheme iron. The study, conducted in rural Mexico, measured stable isotopes of iron to evaluate the effect on iron absorption of the addition of 25 mg ascorbic acid as agua de limón (limeade) to 2 typical meals per day for 2 wk. Fifteen nonpregnant, nonlactating, iron-deficient (ferritin <12 µg/L) women (x ± SD age: 28.3 ± 7.7 y) fasted overnight and were brought to a community clinic. After an initial blood sample, subjects consumed 0.25 mg 57/Fe with both breakfast and lunch for 14 d. On day 29, another blood sample was taken, and a reference dose of 2.7 mg 58/Fe with 25 mg ascorbic acid was given. For the following 15 d, participants consumed 0.25 mg 57/Fe added to both breakfast and lunch with 25 mg ascorbic acid added to each meal as limeade. A final blood sample was taken on day 59. Iron absorption was calculated from recovery of isotopes in blood obtained 14 d after administration of each isotope. When 25 mg ascorbic acid as limeade was added to test meals twice a day for 2 wk, iron absorption increased significantly (P < 0.001) in every subject: the mean absorption rose from 6.6 ± 3.0% to 22.9 ± 12.6%. The consumption of 25 mg ascorbic acid as limeade twice daily with meals substantially improved iron absorption and may improve the iron status of nonpregnant, nonlactating, irondeficient women. (author's)
Keywords:
MexicoIndex page
Research Report
Women
Iron
Deficiency Diseases
Ascorbic Acid
Administration and Dosage
Food and Beverage
Diet
Gastrointestinal Effects
Metabolic Effects
North America
Americas
Developing Countries
Demographic Factors
Population
Metals
Vitamins and Minerals
Physiology
Biology
Nutrition Disorders
Diseases
Drugs
Treatment
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Nutrition