A simple and feasible questionnaire to estimate menstrual blood loss: relationship with hematological and gynecological parameters in young women.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual blood loss (MBL) has been shown to be an important determinant in iron status, work performance and well-being. Several methods have been developed to estimate MBL, the standard quantitative method however has limited application in clinical practice as it is expensive and requires women to collect, store and submit their sanitary products for analysis. We therefore aimed to develop a MBL-score based on a questionnaire, and to validate it by several hematological and biochemical parameters in women of childbearing age. METHODS: A total of 165 healthy young women were recruited. Hematological (hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocyte, leucocyte and platelet counts) and iron status (serum iron, serum ferritin, serum transferrin, and total iron binding capacity) parameters were analyzed at baseline. Women were asked to fulfill two gynecological questionnaires: a general questionnaire, to inform about the volunteer's general menstrual characteristics; and a MBL questionnaire, to provide details of the duration of menstruation, number of heavy blood loss days, and number and type of pads and/or tampons used during the heaviest bleeding day, for all consecutive menstrual periods during 16 weeks. A MBL-score was calculated for each period and women, and its reliability determined by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Pearson's linear correlation tests were performed between blood parameters and the MBL-score. Two clusters were formed according the MBL-score (cluster 1: low MBL and cluster 2: high MBL). RESULTS: Significant higher MBL-score was observed in women who reported having a history of anemia (p = 0.015), staining the bed at night during menstruation (p < 0.001) and suffering inter-menstrual blood loss (p = 0.044), compared to those who did not. Women who used hormonal contraceptives presented lower MBL-scores than the others (p = 0.004). The MBL-score was negatively associated with log-ferritin (p = 0.006) and platelet count (p = 0.011). Women in cluster 1 presented higher ferritin (p = 0.043) than women in cluster 2. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an easy and practical method for estimating menstrual blood loss based on a score calculated from a questionnaire in healthy women at childbearing age. The MBL-score is highly reliable and reflects menstrual blood loss validated by hematological and biochemical parameters.

Influence of diet, menstruation and genetic factors on iron status: a cross-sectional study in Spanish women of childbearing age.

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of diet, menstruation and genetic factors on iron status in Spanish menstruating women (n = 142). Dietary intake was assessed by a 72-h detailed dietary report and menstrual blood loss by a questionnaire, to determine a Menstrual Blood Loss Coefficient (MBLC). Five selected SNPs were genotyped: rs3811647, rs1799852 (Tf gene); rs1375515 (CACNA2D3 gene); and rs1800562 and rs1799945 (HFE gene, mutations C282Y and H63D, respectively). Iron biomarkers were determined and cluster analysis was performed. Differences among clusters in dietary intake, menstrual blood loss parameters and genotype frequencies distribution were studied. A categorical regression was performed to identify factors associated with cluster belonging. Three clusters were identified: women with poor iron status close to developing iron deficiency anemia (Cluster 1, n = 26); women with mild iron deficiency (Cluster 2, n = 59) and women with normal iron status (Cluster 3, n = 57). Three independent factors, red meat consumption, MBLC and mutation C282Y, were included in the model that better explained cluster belonging (R2 = 0.142, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the combination of high red meat consumption, low menstrual blood loss and the HFE C282Y mutation may protect from iron deficiency in women of childbearing age. These findings could be useful to implement adequate strategies to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Low iron status as a factor of increased bone resorption and effects of an iron and vitamin D-fortified skimmed milk on bone remodelling in young Spanish women.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between iron status and bone metabolism, and to compare the effects of the consumption, as part of the usual diet, of an iron or iron and vitamin D-fortified skimmed milk on bone remodelling in iron-deficient women. METHODS: Young healthy iron-deficient or iron-sufficient women (serum ferritin ≤30 ng/mL or >30 ng/mL, respectively) were recruited. Iron-deficient women were assigned to a nutritional intervention consisting of a randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel design trial of 16 weeks during winter. They consumed, as part of their usual diet, an iron (Fe group, n = 54) or iron and vitamin D-fortified (Fe+D group, n = 55) flavoured skimmed milk (iron, 15 mg/day; vitamin D3, 5 µg/day, 200 IU). The iron-sufficient women followed their usual diet without supplementation (R group, n = 56). Dietary intake, body weight, iron biomarkers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), procollagen-type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and aminoterminal telopeptide of collagen I (NTx) were determined. RESULTS: Negative correlations were found between baseline log-ferritin and log-NTx (p < 0.001), and between transferrin and P1NP (p = 0.002). Serum 25OHD increased (from 62 ± 21 to 71 ± 21 nmol/L, mean ± SD, p < 0.001) while P1NP and NTx decreased in Fe+D during the assay (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). NTx was lower in Fe+D compared to Fe at week 8 (p < 0.05) and was higher in Fe and Fe+D compared to R throughout the assay (p < 0.01). PTH did not show changes. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency is related with higher bone resorption in young women. Consumption of a dairy product that supplies 5 µg/day of vitamin D3 reduces bone turnover and increases circulating 25OHD to nearly reach an optimal vitamin D status, defined as 25OHD over 75 nmol/L.

Changes in blood pressure and lipid levels in young women consuming a vitamin D-fortified skimmed milk: a randomised controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D exerts a variety of extra-skeletal functions. AIM: to know the effects of the consumption of a vitamin D-fortified skimmed milk on glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure in young women. METHODS: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group trial of 16 weeks duration was conducted in young women with low iron stores who consumed a skimmed milk fortified with iron and 200 IU/day (5 µg) of vitamin D (D-fortified group, n = 55), or a placebo without vitamin D (D-placebo group, n = 54). A reference group (n = 56) of iron-sufficient women was also recruited. RESULTS: baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely correlated with total-cholesterol (r = -0.176, p = 0.023) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-chol) (r = -0.176, p = 0.024). During the assay, LDL-cholesterol increased in the D-placebo group (p = 0.005) while it tended to decrease in the D-fortified group (p = 0.07). Neither group displayed changes in total-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-chol), triglycerides or glucose levels. Systolic (p = 0.017) and diastolic (p = 0.010) blood pressure decreased during the assay in the D-fortified group without significant differences compared to the D-placebo. CONCLUSION: consumption of a dairy product fortified with vitamin D reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure but does not change lipid levels in young women.

Bone remodelling is reduced by recovery from iron-deficiency anaemia in premenopausal women

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA), one of the most common and widespread health disorders worldwide, affects fundamental metabolic functions and has been associated with deleterious effects on bone. Our aim was to know whether there are differences in bone remodelling between a group of premenopausal IDA women and a healthy group, and whether recovery of iron status has an effect on bone turnover markers. Thirty-five IDA women and 38 healthy women (control group) were recruited throughout the year. IDA women received pharmacological iron treatment. Iron biomarkers, aminoterminal telopeptide of collagen I (NTx), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathormone (PTH) were determined at baseline for both groups and after treatment with pharmacological iron for the IDA group. IDA subjects were classified as recovered (R) or non-recovered (nR) from IDA after treatment. NTx levels were significantly higher (p <0.001), and P1NP levels tended to be lower in IDA women than controls after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), with no differences in 25-hydroxyvitamin D or PTH. After treatment, the R group had significantly lower NTx and P1NP levels compared to baseline (p <0.05 and p <0.001 respectively), whilst no significant changes were seen in the nR group. No changes were seen in 25-hydroxyvitamin D or PTH for either group. IDA is related to higher bone resorption independent of age and BMI. Recovery from IDA has a concomitant beneficial effect on bone remodelling in premenopausal women, decreasing both bone resorption and formation (AU)

Effects of an iron or iron and vitamin D-fortified flavored skim milk on iron metabolism: a randomized controlled double-blind trial in iron-deficient women.

OBJECTIVES: Iron deficiency anemia and vitamin D deficiency are considered global pandemics. The aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of a dairy product fortified with iron and vitamin D, compared to the equivalent with only added iron, exerts an additional effect on iron metabolism in iron-deficient menstruating women. METHODS: The design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial of 16 weeks' duration. Subjects were randomized into 2 groups that consumed, as part of their usual diet, 500 mL/day of an iron (n = 54) or iron- and vitamin D-fortified (n = 55) flavored skim milk. At baseline and monthly, dietary intake, body weight, and hematological and iron metabolism biomarkers were determined. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was analyzed at baseline and weeks 8 and 16. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) of repeated measures for time and Time × Group interaction effects. RESULTS: A total of 109 volunteers completed the study. Calcium and iron intakes increased during the intervention (p < 0.001 for both groups). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D significantly increased in Fe + D group during the assay (p < 0.001) and at week 16 it was higher compared to the Fe group (p < 0.05). Serum ferritin, serum transferrin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red blood cell distribution width showed significant time effects but no Time × Group interaction. Higher values of erythrocytes (p = 0.01), hematocrit (p = 0.05), and hemoglobin (p = 0.03) at week 8 were observed in the Fe + D group compared to the Fe group. CONCLUSION: Iron-fortified flavored skim milk does not improve iron status in iron-deficient menstruating women. However, vitamin D fortification slightly enhances erythropoiesis and iron status.

Bone remodelling is reduced by recovery from iron-deficiency anaemia in premenopausal women.

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA), one of the most common and widespread health disorders worldwide, affects fundamental metabolic functions and has been associated with deleterious effects on bone. Our aim was to know whether there are differences in bone remodelling between a group of premenopausal IDA women and a healthy group, and whether recovery of iron status has an effect on bone turnover markers. Thirty-five IDA women and 38 healthy women (control group) were recruited throughout the year. IDA women received pharmacological iron treatment. Iron biomarkers, aminoterminal telopeptide of collagen I (NTx), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathormone (PTH) were determined at baseline for both groups and after treatment with pharmacological iron for the IDA group. IDA subjects were classified as recovered (R) or non-recovered (nR) from IDA after treatment. NTx levels were significantly higher (p <0.001), and P1NP levels tended to be lower in IDA women than controls after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), with no differences in 25-hydroxyvitamin D or PTH. After treatment, the R group had significantly lower NTx and P1NP levels compared to baseline (p <0.05 and p <0.001 respectively), whilst no significant changes were seen in the nR group. No changes were seen in 25-hydroxyvitamin D or PTH for either group. IDA is related to higher bone resorption independent of age and BMI. Recovery from IDA has a concomitant beneficial effect on bone remodelling in premenopausal women, decreasing both bone resorption and formation.

Identification of a novel quantitative trait nucleotype related to iron status in a calcium channel gene.

Several iron-related parameters have been reported to show significant heritability, and thus, seemed to be genetically regulated. A genome wide family-based study revealed two regions that showed a linkage signal with transferrin receptor levels. The aim of the study was to identify genetic markers associated with iron status biomarkers. Ten SNPs selected from the literature were tested, and parameters related to iron metabolism were analysed, in a group (n=284) of Spanish women. Data were analyzed using Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) test and decision trees. The rs1375515, located in an intronic region of the calcium channel gene CACNA2D3, showed strong associations with levels of mean corpuscular volume according to BMA test, and with levels of haemoglobin and ferritin according to decision trees. The allele G was associated to low levels of these parameters which suggests higher iron deficiency anaemia risk. This SNP along with the C282Y mutation explained significant differences in the distribution of individuals in three iron-related clinical phenotypes (normal, iron deficient and iron deficiency anaemic). In conclusion, the rs1375515, or other genetic polymorphisms in linkage, may play important roles in iron status, probably by affecting the function of a calcium channel. These findings may be useful for further investigation in the etiology of iron diseases.

Relationship between vitamin D deficiency, bone remodelling and iron status in iron-deficient young women consuming an iron-fortified food.

BACKGROUND: Iron and vitamin D deficiencies are two of the most widespread nutritional disorders in the world. Our aim was to know whether the consumption of an iron-fortified fruit juice modifies bone remodelling and the possible influence of baseline vitamin D status on the recovery of iron status in a group of iron-deficient women. METHODS: Iron biomarkers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and dietary intake were measured in 123 iron-deficient menstruating women. A subgroup (n = 41) participated in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of 16-weeks during winter. They consumed a placebo fruit juice (P) or iron-fortified fruit juice (F). Dietary intake, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone (PTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aminoterminal telopeptide of collagen I (NTX) and iron biomarkers were determined. RESULTS: Ninety-two per cent of the iron-deficient women were vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Transferrin saturation and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were positively correlated. Iron status improved in F, 25-hydroxyvitamin D decreased in F and P, and PTH, ALP and NTX levels were within the normal range and did not vary. Women with 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≥ 50 nmol/L compared with 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/L showed a higher increase in transferrin saturation (a marker of iron supply to tissues) during iron recovery. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is very high in iron-deficient women. The recovery of iron status by consuming an iron-fortified food does not affect 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels; however, the increase in iron supply to tissues is lower if the women also present vitamin D deficiency. Although bone health does not seem to be affected in this group of women, correction of iron and vitamin D deficiencies should be promoted in young women to improve present and future health.

A sodium-bicarbonated mineral water reduces gallbladder emptying and postprandial lipaemia: a randomised four-way crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-bicarbonated mineral waters are reported to have beneficial digestive and hypocholesterolaemic properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of consumption of a sodium-bicarbonated mineral water (BW) with or without a meal, compared to a low mineral content water as the control water (CW), on postprandial serum triacylglycerols (TAG), cholecystokinin (CCK) and gallbladder volume. METHODS: The study design was a four-way randomised controlled crossover trial. Healthy adult men and women (>18 and <40 years, TAG <2.82 mmol/L) consumed 0.5 L of CW + standard meal; 0.5 L of BW + standard meal; and 0.5 L of CW without meal or 0.5 L of BW without meal. RESULTS: BW consumed without meal had no significant effect on the study parameters compared to CW. However, BW with meal induced a lower concentration of serum TAG at 30 min (p = 0.01) and 60 min (p = 0.03) postprandial times, lower CCK concentrations at 30 min (p = 0.002), and higher gallbladder volume at 30 min (p = 0.03), 60 min (p = 0.01) and 120 min (p = 0.04). Gallbladder ejection fraction was lower with the BW (p = 0.03), whilst area under the curve and peak contraction amplitude (lowest gallbladder volume) were higher (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively) compared to the CW. CONCLUSION: Consumption of BW with a meal induces lower levels of CCK and reduces gallbladder emptying and postprandial TAG levels. It is proposed that this sodium-bicarbonated mineral water could be used as part of the habitual diet by the general population in order to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Four variants in transferrin and HFE genes as potential markers of iron deficiency anaemia risk: an association study in menstruating women.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anaemia is a worldwide health problem in which environmental, physiologic and genetic factors play important roles. The associations between iron status biomarkers and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be related to iron metabolism were studied in menstruating women. METHODS: A group of 270 Caucasian menstruating women, a population group at risk of iron deficiency anaemia, participated in the study. Haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed and 10 selected SNPs were genotyped by minisequencing assay. The associations between genetic and biochemical data were analysed by Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) test and decision trees. Dietary intake of a representative subgroup of these volunteers (n = 141) was assessed, and the relationship between nutrients and iron biomarkers was also determined by linear regression. RESULTS: Four variants, two in the transferrin gene (rs3811647, rs1799852) and two in the HFE gene (C282Y, H63D), explain 35% of the genetic variation or heritability of serum transferrin in menstruating women. The minor allele of rs3811647 was associated with higher serum transferrin levels and lower transferrin saturation, while the minor alleles of rs1799852 and the C282Y and H63D mutations of HFE were associated with lower serum transferrin levels. No association between nutrient intake and iron biomarkers was found. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to dietary intake, these four SNPs are strongly associated with serum transferrin. Carriers of the minor allele of rs3811647 present a reduction in iron transport to tissues, which might indicate higher iron deficiency anaemia risk, although the simultaneous presence of the minor allele of rs1799852 and HFE mutations appear to have compensatory effects. Therefore, it is suggested that these genetic variants might potentially be used as markers of iron deficiency anaemia risk.

Efectos esperados de iones concretos frente a efectos reales de su ingesta en un agua envasada / Expected effects of specificcions versus real effects of their intake from a bottled water

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Efficacy of a microencapsulated iron pyrophosphate-fortified fruit juice: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Spanish iron-deficient women.

Fe-deficiency anaemia is a worldwide health problem. We studied the influence of consuming an Fe-fortified fruit juice on Fe status in menstruating women. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 16 weeks of duration was performed. Subjects were randomised into two groups: the P group (n 58) or the F group (n 64), and consumed, as a supplement to their usual diet, 500 ml/d of a placebo fruit juice or an Fe-fortified fruit juice, respectively. The Fe-fortified fruit juice, containing microencapsulated iron pyrophosphate, provided 18 mg Fe/d (100 % of the RDA). At baseline and monthly, dietary intake, body weight and Fe parameters were determined: total erythrocytes, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), Hb, serum Fe, serum ferritin, serum transferrin, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP). The fruit juice consumption involved increased intake of carbohydrates and vitamin C, and increased BMI within normal limits. Ferritin was higher in the F group after week 4 (P < 0·05) and became 80 % higher than in the P group after week 16 (P < 0·001), and transferrin decreased in the F group compared with the P group after week 4 (P < 0·001). RDW was higher at weeks 4 and 8 in the F group compared with the P group (P < 0·05). Transferrin saturation increased after week 8, and haematocrit, MCV and Hb increased after week 12, in the F group compared with the P group. Serum Fe did not change. sTfR and ZnPP decreased in the F group at week 16 (P < 0·05). Iron pyrophosphate-fortified fruit juice improves Fe status and may be used to prevent Fe-deficiency anaemia.

Reduction in cardiovascular risk by sodium-bicarbonated mineral water in moderately hypercholesterolemic young adults.

The effects of drinking sodium-bicarbonated mineral water on cardiovascular risk in young men and women with moderate cardiovascular risk were studied. Eighteen young volunteers (total cholesterol levels >5.2 mmol/L) without any disease participated. The study consisted of two 8-week intervention periods. Subjects consumed, as supplement to their usual diet, 1 L/day control low mineral water, followed by 1 L/day bicarbonated mineral water (48 mmol/L sodium, 35 mmol/L bicarbonate and 17 mmol/L chloride). Determinations were performed at the end of the control water period and on Weeks 4 and 8 of the bicarbonated water period. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, dietary intake, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, Apo B, triacylgycerols, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble adhesion molecules [soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM)], sodium and chloride urinary excretion, and urine pH were measured. Dietary intake, body weight and BMI showed no significant variations. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after 4 weeks of bicarbonated water consumption, without significant differences between Weeks 4 and 8. After bicarbonated water consumption, significant reductions in total cholesterol (by 6.3%; P=.012), LDL cholesterol (by 10%; P=.001), total/HDL cholesterol (P=.004), LDL/HDL cholesterol (P=.001) and Apo B (P=.017) were observed. Serum triacylglycerol, Apo A-I, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and hs-CRP levels did not change. Serum glucose values tended to decrease during the bicarbonated water intervention (P=.056), but insulin levels did not vary. This sodium-bicarbonated mineral water improves lipid profile in moderately hypercholesterolemic young men and women and could therefore be applied in dietary interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk.

An oily fish diet increases insulin sensitivity compared to a red meat diet in young iron-deficient women.

Beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on a variety of physiological functions have been reported, but information related to the effects of oily fish consumed within a varied diet on glucose metabolism and diabetes risk is scarce. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of a diet rich in oily fish to those of a diet rich in red meat on lipid profile, oxidative status, glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in young, iron-deficient women. The study was designed attending the CONSORT statement guidelines. It was a randomised crossover dietary intervention study with two 8-week periods. Two diets were designed differing only in their oily fish or red meat content (four portions per week). Twenty-five young iron-deficient women with normal lipid, glucose and insulin levels participated in the assay. Lipid profile (total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, TAG), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and oxidation (lipoperoxides) and inflammation (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) biomarkers were analysed. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI). Insulin levels significantly decreased and insulin sensitivity significantly increased with the oily fish diet. HDL-cholesterol significantly increased with the oily fish diet. Other parameters did not significantly differ between diets. An increase in oily fish consumption increases insulin sensitivity in young iron-deficient women. This outcome should be considered when giving dietary advice to this population.

Iron absorption from meat pate fortified with ferric pyrophosphate in iron-deficient women.

OBJECTIVE: Preventing iron deficiency has been a main target of the World Health Organization since 1992. Difficulties to reach dietary recommended iron intakes and to enhance iron absorption should be overcome. We compared in iron-deficient women the bioavailability of iron of three meat pate products enriched with ferrous sulfate, ferric pyrophosphate encapsulated in liposomes, or ferric pyrophosphate encapsulated in liposomes plus a hemoglobin-based meat pigment. METHODS: Seventeen women with low iron stores (ferritin <30 microg/L) took part in a three-way, randomized, crossover, double-blind postprandial intervention. Test meals consisted of 80 g of the three different enriched meat pate products, which were spread on two slices of white bread. The pate composition was 13.5 g of protein/100 g, 30 g of fat/100 g (49% monounsaturated fatty acids, 35% saturated fatty acids, 16% polyunsaturated fatty acids), 1 g of carbohydrates/100 g, and 19 mg of total iron (including 15 mg of iron from the test fortificants). Blood samples were taken at baseline and each hour for 6 h after eating the meal and serum iron was determined. RESULTS: Serum iron concentration evolution during the postprandial study was similar with the three meals, and maximum concentrations were obtained between hours 2 and 4. The effect of type of fortificant was not significant. CONCLUSION: Consumption of meat pate fortified with ferric pyrophosphate encapsulated in liposomes can be part of a dietary strategy for preventing iron deficiency in humans. The addition of larger amounts of a meat pigment rich in heme iron should be further studied.

Oily fish increases iron bioavailability of a phytate rich meal in young iron deficient women.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is a major health problem worldwide, and is associated with diets of low iron bioavailability. Non-heme iron absorption is modulated by dietary constituents, one of which is the so-called "meat factor", present in meat, fish (oily and lean) and poultry, which is an important enhancer of iron absorption in humans. Food processing also affects iron bioavailability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of consuming sous vide cooked salmon fish on non-heme iron bioavailability from a bean meal, rich in phytate, in iron-deficient women. DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial in 21 young women with low iron stores (ferritin < 30 microg/L). Two test meals were extrinsically labelled with stable isotopes of iron (Fe-57 or Fe-58). Iron bioavailability was measured as the incorporation of stable isotopes into erythrocytes 14 d after meals consumption. RESULTS: The addition of fish to the bean meal significantly increased (p < 0.001) iron absorption. Serum ferritin concentration and iron absorption were inversely correlated for both the bean meal (R(2) = 0.294, p = 0.011) and the fish and bean meal (R(2) = 0.401, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Sous vide cooked salmon fish increases iron absorption from a high phytate bean meal in humans.

Sodium-bicarbonated mineral water decreases aldosterone levels without affecting urinary excretion of bone minerals.

UNLABELLED: AIM To assess in healthy postmenopausal women the influence of consuming sodium-bicarbonated mineral water on postprandial evolution of serum aldosterone and urinary electrolyte excretion. METHODS: Eighteen postmenopausal women consumed 500 ml of two sodium-bicarbonated mineral waters (sodium-bicarbonated mineral water 1 and sodium-bicarbonated mineral water 2) and a low-mineral water with a standard meal. Postprandial blood samples were taken at 60, 120, 240, 360 and 420 min and aldosterone concentrations were measured. Postprandial urinary minerals were determined. RESULTS: Urinary and total mineral excretion and urinary mineral concentrations did not differ except for sodium concentration, which was significantly higher with sodium-bicarbonated mineral water 1 than with low-mineral water (P = 0.005). There was a time effect (P = 0.003) on the aldosterone concentration. At 120 min, aldosterone concentrations were lower with sodium-bicarbonated mineral water 1 (P = 0.021) and sodium-bicarbonated mineral water 2 (P = 0.030) compared with low-mineral water. CONCLUSION: Drinking a sodium-rich bicarbonated mineral water with a meal increases urinary sodium concentration excretion without changes in the excretion of potassium and bone minerals.

The G277S transferrin mutation does not affect iron absorption in iron deficient women.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most important nutritional diseases, with high prevalence worldwide. The G277S transferrin mutation has been implicated as a risk factor for iron deficiency in menstruating women. However, the subject is controversial and there are no data concerning the possible influence of this polymorphism on iron absorption. AIM OF THE STUDY: To undertake a pilot study to investigate the effect of carrying the G277S transferrin mutation on non-haem iron absorption from a meal in young menstruating women compared to wild-type controls. METHODS: Menstruating women with low iron stores (serum ferritin < 30 microg/l) or who had suffered from iron deficiency anaemia or had a family history of anaemia were recruited (n = 162). Haematological parameters were analysed, including haemoglobin, ferritin, total-iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation. Non-haem iron absorption from a meal was measured in 25 non-anaemic women either with the G277S/G277G (n = 10) or the wild type G277G/G277G (n = 15) genotype. The incorporation of stable isotopes of iron into erythrocytes was used to measure absorption. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in iron status indices or non-haem iron absorption between genotypes. However, G277S carriers did not show the usual inverse association between iron stores and non-haem iron absorption. Further studies should focus on the effects of a combination of polymorphisms in iron metabolism genes on iron absorption.