Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Human Nutrition and Foods

Committee Chair

Cindy Fitch.

Abstract

Iron deficiency is a nationwide concern. Dietary strategies issued by national organizations, aim to help prevent childhood iron deficiency. This study examined the relationship of dietary factors with iron status in WIC participants 6--24 months. This was a cross-sectional study of 50 rural infants and toddlers.;Iron deficiency was determined from one blood sample analyzed for serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TS). Iron deficiency was defined as SF ≤ 15 ug/dL and TS ≤ 15%. Two, 24-hour dietary recalls were collected. Stepwise logistic regression was used to evaluate factors predictive of iron status.;Thirteen children (26%) were iron deficient. Iron status could be predicted from iron-fortified infant or adult cereal intake (p = 0.04). Mean SF tended to be lower in those consuming >24 ounces of milk per day (p = 0.07). On regression analysis, meat, fish, or poultry intake was positively (p = 0.018) and calcium intake was negatively (p = 0.0004) associated with SF.

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