BIOCHEMICAL IRON STATUS AND INTAKE IN A P OPULATION OF PREGNANT-WOMENOF BUENOS-AIRES

The iron (Fe) nutritional status was studied in 113 healthy pregnant w omen, age: 24.8 +/- 6.1 Ys. During the second trimester (gestational a ge: 16.9 +/- 3.8 weeks), a 24 h dietary recall was carried out and dai ly Fe intake was calculated, according to Latinoamerican and German Fo od Composition Tables. On the same day, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin ( Hb), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) and serum ferritin (SF) were dete rmined in fasting blood samples. Mean daily Fe intake was 10.8 +/- 4.6 mg. The percentage of population with abnormal biochemical values was : Hb (g/dL) < 10.5: 2%; PE > 70 mu g/dL of red blood cells: 6.5%; SF ( ng/mL) < 12: 6%; 12-20: 16%. According to the new recommendations of t he American institute of Medicine, Fe supplementation would be necessa ry in women with SF < 20 ng/mL (22%). Therefore, the follow-up of iron stores would be necessary in those with SF > 20 ng/mL before Fe admin istration.