%0 Journal Article %J Eur J Clin Nutr %D 2013 %T Intake and dietary sources of haem and non-haem iron among European adolescents and their association with iron status and different lifestyle and socio-economic factors. %A Stefanie Vandevijvere %A Michels, N %A Verstraete, S %A Ferrari, M %A Leclercq, C %A Cuenca-García, M %A Grammatikaki, E %A Manios, Y %A Gottrand, F %A Valtueña, J %A Santamaría, J V %A Kersting, M %A Gonzalez-Gross, M %A Moreno, L %A Mouratidou, T %A Stevens, K %A Meirhaeghe, A %A Dallongeville, J %A Sjöström, M %A Hallström, L %A Kafatos, A %A Widhalm, K %A Molnár, D %A De Henauw, S %A Huybrechts, I %K ADOLESCENT %K Body Mass Index %K Body weight %K Bread %K Child %K Cluster Analysis %K cross-sectional studies %K Diet %K Energy Intake %K Europe %K Female %K Heme %K Humans %K Iron, Dietary %K LIFE STYLE %K Linear Models %K Male %K Meat %K Motor Activity %K Nutrition Assessment %K nutritional status %K Socioeconomic Factors %K Surveys and Questionnaires %X

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adolescents are at risk of iron deficiency because of their high iron requirements. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess iron intake, its determinants and its most important food sources and; (2) to evaluate the relation of iron intake and status in European adolescents.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two non-consecutive 24-h recalls were completed by a computerised tool. The socio-demographic and socio-economic data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire. Weight and height were measured. A distinction was made between haem and non-haem iron.

RESULTS: The total iron intake was significantly higher among boys (13.8 mg/day; n=1077) than girls (11.0 mg/day; n=1253). About 97.3% of the boys and 87.8% of the girls met the estimated average requirement, and 72.4% of the boys and 13.7% of the girls met the recommendation for bio-available iron intake. The ratio of haem/non-haem iron intake was lower for girls than boys. Meat (19.2; 76%) and bread and rolls (12.6;3.9%) contributed most to total and haem iron intake. Bread and rolls (13.8%) and meat (10.8%) contributed most to non-haem iron intake. Age, sex and body mass index were associated with iron intake. Only red blood cell concentration was significantly negatively associated with total, haem and non-haem iron intake.

CONCLUSION: Girls had lower iron intakes and ratio of haem/non-haem iron intake than boys. The main total iron and haem iron source was meat, while the main non-haem iron source was bread and rolls. Adolescent girls may be a group at risk for iron deficiency. Consequently, special attention and strategies are needed in order to improve iron intakes during adolescence.

%B Eur J Clin Nutr %V 67 %P 765-72 %8 2013 Jul %G eng %N 7 %1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23695206?dopt=Abstract %R 10.1038/ejcn.2013.100