Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

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 has been shown to have a multitude of negative effects on the growing infant. The diet plays a key role in alleviating iron deficiency within a younger population. The objective of this study was to search out specific nutrients in the diet that have some affect on iron status in a population of infants age 6 to 24 months.;This was a cross-sectional study that included 57 rural infants who participated in the WIC program. Dietary intake data was collected by 2 multiple-pass 24-hour intakes done 3 to 4 days apart. Blood was collected by venipuncture and analyzed for hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation. Multiple logistic regression, Pearson's Correlation, and independent sample t-tests was used to evaluate iron status and dietary variables.;Twelve children were categorized as iron deficient as defined by serum ferritin ≤ 15 ug/L and transferring saturation ≤ 15%. Average iron intake for the group met recommendations. On regression analysis, calcium and phosphorous were shown to be the main determining factors affecting iron status, and this was a negative association (calcium, P < .03: phosphorous, P < .01). (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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