Fortification of curry powder with NaFe(111)EDTA in an iron-deficient population: initial survey of iron status

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Abstract
A survey of iron status was conducted in 984 volunteers (404 males and 580 females) from an Fe-deficient population before an Fe-fortification trial. Hemoglobin, percentage saturation of transferrin, and serum ferritin were used to assess Fe status and to calculate body Fe stores. Almost 30% of males and 60% of females had evidence of Fe deficiency. The distribution of body Fe stores for both males and females was shifted to the left compared with a population in the United States. In females 24% had Fe-deficiency anemia, 13% Fe-deficient erythropoiesis, and 16% depleted stores. Multiple regression analysis failed to show any relationship in women between age, parity, and duration of menses and measurements of Fe status. In males Fe deficiency was more frequent for those less than 18 y and alcohol abusers had increased serum ferritin and calculated body Fe compared with nondrinkers.