Long-term Iron Absorption and Losses in Young South African Women Living Without and With Overweight and Obesity
Young women living with obesity (OB) have a greater risk of developing iron deficiency. Plus, the risk of anemia and/or ID in young women living with overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) is further increased by inadequate dietary intake and/or poor bioavailability of iron, as well as gastrointestinal and menstrual iron losses. It is not certain whether women living with OW/OB can meet their iron requirements from their day-to-day diet. The aim of this study is to compare iron absorption and losses over a long period between women living with and without OW and OB. Secondary outcomes include iron and inflammation status, as well as dietary iron intake.
• Of African descent
• BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 for participants living without OW/OB and BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 for participants living with OW/OB
• Having low to moderate inflammation-adjusted iron stores (ferritin ≤50 µg/L)
• Absence of low-grade inflammation (CRP\<2 mg/l) for participants living without OW/OB and presence of low-grade inflammation CRP 2-20 mg/l) for participants living with OW/OB
• Planning to reside in the study area for at least 2 years