抄録
Physical and clinical examinations and food iron surveys using three day dietary records were carried out in two groups of adult women from different areas of Ibaraki Prefecture. The number and ages of one group were 148 and 37.0±7.9 years (mean and standard deviation) and those of the other were 52 and 53.0±11.5 years.
1) Although the average ages of the two groups were significantly different, all subjects could be summed up as belonging statistically to the same group because of the correspondence of their physical conditions to the norm in the national census of each age. Heights, weights and Kaup indices were within normal ranges, while low Hb (<12 g/dl) occurred in 14.5% of the group, low SF (<12 pg/l) in 37.5% and low TS (<16%) in 17%.
2) Daily ingested energy, protein, fat, food iron (heme and nonheme iron), ascorbate, sodium chloride and fat-energy ratio were computed according to the Tables of Standard Food Composition in Japan (4th ed.). The amounts of all items except food iron were adequate or rather in excess of the Japanese Recommended Dietary Allowances.
3) The occurrence of latent iron deficiency and that of iron deficiency anemia in menstruating women (n : 159) were 30.8% and 13.2% respectively and those in climacteric women (n : 41) were 9.8% and 2.4%.
4) Linear regressions and correlation coefficients were calculated within sets of physical, clinical and nutritional records. Although each set within Hb, SF and TS correlated significantly, there was no positive correlation between the above three variables and food composition.
5) The variables such as age, Hb, energy, protein, food iron etc. were divided into two groups dependent on clinical cutoff points and the average values within the subgroups were compared statistically. Within subgroups of food iron, the statistical difference was observed only in those divided by "menstruating or postmenopausal women".
6) Food habits such as the use of iron pans, vitamins and iron tablets, diet or preference for tea or coffee had no influence on Hb and SF concentrations or TS.
