Media type: Text; E-Article Title: Dietary iron intake and iron status of German female vegans: Results of the German Vegan Study Contributor: Waldmann, Annika [Author]; Koschizke, Jochen W. [Author]; Leitzmann, Claus [Author]; Hahn, Andreas [Author] Published: Basel : S. Karger AG, 2004 Published in: Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 48 (2004), Nr. 2 Issue: published Version Language: English DOI: https://doi.org/10.15488/2728; https://doi.org/10.1159/000077045 ISSN: 0250-6807 Keywords: fruit ; iron ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; ferritin ; blood analysis ; Iron-Deficiency ; aged ; Nutrition Policy ; vegetable ; Health Surveys ; iron deficiency anemia ; Diet Surveys ; Humans ; priority journal ; hemoconcentration ; Iron status ; ethnic group ; controlled study ; questionnaire ; Vegans ; iron intake ; Anemia ; female ; Intestinal Absorption ; [...] Origination: Footnote: Diese Datenquelle enthält auch Bestandsnachweise, die nicht zu einem Volltext führen. Description: Background: As shown in previous studies vegetarians and especially vegans are at risk for iron deficiency. Our study evaluated the iron status of German female vegans. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the dietary intakes of 75 vegan women were assessed by two 9-day food frequency questionnaires. The iron status was analyzed on the basis of blood parameters. Results: Mean daily iron intake was higher than recommended by the German Nutrition Society. Still 42% of the female vegans <50 years (young women, YW) had a daily iron intake of <18 mg/day, which is the recommended allowance by the US Food and Nutrition Board. The main dietary sources of iron were vegetables, fruits, cereals and cereal products. Median serum ferritin concentrations were 14 ng/ml for YW and 28 ng/ml for women ≥50 years (old women, OW). In all, 40% (tri-index model (TIM) 20%) of the YW and 12% (TIM 12%) of the OW were considered iron-deficient based on either serum ferritin levels of <12 ng/ml or a TIM. Only 3 women had blood parameters which are defined as iron deficiency anemia. Correlations between serum ferritin levels and dietary factors were not found. Conclusion: Although the mean iron intake was above the recommended level, 40% (TIM 20%) of the YW were considered iron-deficient. It is suggested that especially YM on a vegan diet should have their iron status monitored and should consider taking iron supplements in case of a marginal status. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel. Access State: Open Access