Iron rda
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Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Iron: An Overview
Iron RDA for Different Demographics
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iron varies significantly across different demographics. In the United States, the RDA for iron is set at 18 mg for menstruating women and 8 mg for non-menstruating women and men1. For pregnant women, the RDA is higher, at 27 mg per day, to accommodate the increased iron needs during pregnancy2. These values are designed to meet the nutritional needs of 97-98% of healthy individuals in each demographic group.
Iron Deficiency in Pregnant Women
Despite the RDA guidelines, iron deficiency remains a significant concern, particularly among pregnant women. A study conducted in Vancouver, Canada, found that even with a daily intake of 27 mg of elemental iron, 81% of pregnant women were iron deficient by the end of their pregnancy2. This suggests that the current RDA may not be sufficient for all pregnant women, especially as their iron needs increase with advancing gestation.
Iron Intake in Children and Adolescents
Iron intake among children and adolescents also shows variability. In Sri Lanka, iron-fortified foods such as milk powder, biscuits, and breakfast cereals contribute significantly to the RDA, providing between 5% to 35% of the daily requirement per serving3. However, the actual iron content in these foods often does not match the labeled information, indicating a need for better regulation and monitoring.
Iron Bioavailability and Dietary Sources
The bioavailability of iron from different dietary sources is another critical factor affecting iron status. In India, the bioavailability of iron from habitual diets is low due to high phytate and low ascorbic acid/iron ratios, which inhibit iron absorption7. This low bioavailability necessitates higher iron intake to meet the RDA, especially in populations with diets high in cereals and millets.
Iron Deficiency in European Children
A systematic review of iron intake and status among European children aged 6-36 months revealed that while mean iron intakes were close to the RDA, a significant proportion of children still had inadequate intakes and high prevalence rates of iron deficiency8. This highlights the need for continued public health efforts to educate parents on iron-rich and iron-fortified foods and to encourage iron supplementation where necessary.
Iron Supplementation in Adults
For adults, iron supplementation practices vary. A study from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that healthy adults who took iron supplements did not have significantly higher iron stores unless they consumed more than three times the RDA9. This indicates that moderate supplementation is generally safe and effective, but excessive intake can lead to elevated iron stores, which may pose health risks.
Conclusion
The RDA for iron is a critical guideline designed to prevent iron deficiency across various demographics. However, evidence suggests that the current RDA may not be sufficient for certain groups, such as pregnant women and young children, who have higher iron needs. Additionally, factors such as iron bioavailability and dietary sources play a significant role in meeting these requirements. Public health initiatives should continue to focus on improving iron intake through dietary education, fortification, and appropriate supplementation to address iron deficiency effectively.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Iron deficiency prevalence and supplementation practices among pregnant women: A secondary data analysis from a clinical trial in Vancouver, Canada.
Pregnant women may require additional iron supplementation beyond 27 mg/day to meet iron requirements in later pregnancy, with high rates of iron deficiency observed in this clinical trial.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalEstimation of Iron Content and Its Contribution in Iron-Fortified Food Products Consumed by School Children in Sri Lanka
Iron-fortified foods in Sri Lanka contribute 5% to 35% to recommended daily allowances for young children, adolescents, and adults, with the highest contribution from a single serving of iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
A Magnetic Meal
Students use a magnetic wand to collect iron filings in breakfast cereals, calculating their recommended daily allowance and exploring biochemical issues.
Functional iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with hyperthermia-induced drug release ability by using a combination of orthogonal click reactions.
Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles show unprecedented hyperthermia-induced drug release ability through a combination of orthogonal click reactions.
Highly CitedEstimates of available iron in diets of individuals 1 year old and older in the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey.
Total iron intake is more favorable than available iron, with less than 10% of total dietary iron being available in the diets of individuals 1 year and older.
Iron content, bioavailability & factors affecting iron status of Indians.
In India, iron deficiency anaemia is a public health concern due to low intake, poor bioavailability, and dietary factors like phytate, ascorbic acid, and vitamins B-complex.
Highly CitedIron Intake and Status of Children Aged 6-36 Months in Europe: A Systematic Review
In most European countries, iron intake for infants and children aged 6-36 months is close to the RDA, but high proportions of inadequate intake and iron deficiency remain.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedIron supplement use and iron status among US adults: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Supplemental iron intakes at or = 3 times the recommended dietary allowance do not significantly increase iron transport or stores in healthy adults aged > or = 19 years.
Observational StudyDetermining factors in the iron status of adult women in the SU.VI.MAX study
Iron depletion is common in menstruating women, with intrauterine devices and oral contraceptives contributing to lower levels, and dietary intake is often lower than recommended dietary allowances.
Observational StudyHighly Cited