Iron intake and status of men and women consuming self-selected diets

Iron intakes and iron status (serum ferritin and iron balance) were determined in 16 women and 13 men consuming self-selected diets over a 1-yr period. Iron balance was determined during four 7-day balance periods corresponding to the four seasons of the year. The seasonal variation in iron intake and serum ferritin and the correlation among iron intake, iron balance, and serum ferritin was examined. No seasonal variation was found in iron intake or serum ferritin. No direct correlation could be found between iron status (ferritin levels and iron balance) and iron intake. However, the men who met or exceeded their recommended dietary allowance for iron intake had ferritin levels in a range indicative of adequate iron status. None of the women met their recommended dietary allowance and their ferritin levels indicated marginal iron stores.