BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency disease in the world and occurs in young women in the United States. Female military personnel represent a unique population faced with intense physical and cognitive demands. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among three populations of female military personnel in the US Army. METHODS: Iron status was assessed in 1216 volunteers. Volunteers were recruited from three groups: immediately following initial entry to the Army (IET), immediately following basic combat training (AIT), or following at least six months of permanent assignment (PP). Iron deficiency was determined using a three variable model, including cut-off values for serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and red cell distribution width (RDW). Iron deficiency anemia was categorized by iron deficiency and a hemoglobin (Hgb) value of <12 g/dL. RESULTS: The prevalence of iron deficiency was greater in women in the AIT group (32.8%) than in the IET and PP groups (13.4 and 9.6%, respectively). The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was greater in the AIT group (20.9%) than in the IET and PP groups (5.8 and 4.8%, respectively). Furthermore, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was greater in Hispanic (21.9%) and African-American military personnel (22.9%) than in Caucasian military personnel (10.5%). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that female military personnel experience diminished iron status following training, and that iron nutriture is an important issue facing females in the military.
BACKGROUND:Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency disease in the world and occurs in young women in the United States. Female military personnel represent a unique population faced with intense physical and cognitive demands. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among three populations of female military personnel in the US Army. METHODS:Iron status was assessed in 1216 volunteers. Volunteers were recruited from three groups: immediately following initial entry to the Army (IET), immediately following basic combat training (AIT), or following at least six months of permanent assignment (PP). Iron deficiency was determined using a three variable model, including cut-off values for serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and red cell distribution width (RDW). Iron deficiency anemia was categorized by iron deficiency and a hemoglobin (Hgb) value of <12 g/dL. RESULTS: The prevalence of iron deficiency was greater in women in the AIT group (32.8%) than in the IET and PP groups (13.4 and 9.6%, respectively). The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was greater in the AIT group (20.9%) than in the IET and PP groups (5.8 and 4.8%, respectively). Furthermore, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was greater in Hispanic (21.9%) and African-American military personnel (22.9%) than in Caucasian military personnel (10.5%). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that female military personnel experience diminished iron status following training, and that iron nutriture is an important issue facing females in the military.
Authors: Jonathan M Scott; Elizabeth A Swallow; Corinne E Metzger; Rachel Kohler; Joseph M Wallace; Alexander J Stacy; Matthew R Allen; Heath G Gasier Journal: Br J Nutr Date: 2021-11-11 Impact factor: 4.125
Authors: Douglas A Corley; Ai Kubo; T R Levin; Gladys Block; Laurel Habel; Gregory J Rumore; Charles Quesenberry; Patricia Buffler Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2008-05-10 Impact factor: 3.199