Wajeunnesa1, Khawja Mohammad Moiz2, Mahmuda Quamrun Naher3, Nasrin Sultana4, Shausheen Islam5. Mahbub Ul Alam Shumon6
1. Associate Professor of Physiology, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeva Medical College, Sylhet
2. Associate Professor of Physical Medicine, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet
3. Associate Professor of Physiology, North East Medical College, Sylhet
4. Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet
5. Assistant Professor of Physiology, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet
6. Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet
Abstract
Background: Adolecents are vulnerable to iron deficiency because of inadequate food intake, impaired iron absorption, rapid growth, chronic blood loss and parasitic infestations.
Objective: To observe incidence of iron deficiency anemia and the factors associated with iron deficiency in adolescents.
Methods: An observational study was conducted in the department of physiology, BSMMU, from 1st January to 31st December, 2007. A total number of 60 subjects of both sexes with age ranging from 11-18 years, were selected in Dhaka city, of whom 30 were apparently healthy (control) and 30 were iron deficient (study group) adolescents. Iron status was a assessed by measuring serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and by calculating transferrin saturation. For statistical analysis unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test was performed by using SPSS for windows version-12. Results: Iron status I was lower in iron deficient adolescents of both sexes. In both male and female iron deficient adolescents serum levels of ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation were significantly (p<0.001) lower and TIBC was significantly (p<0.001) higher than those of there respective healthy control.
Conclusion: This study concluded that deficiency of iron is associated with low protein diet. Therefore, this study suggests that supplementation of iron along with high protein diet is needed in iron deficient adolescents