Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Iron deficiency risk in Africa is estimated at only 5% based on standard bioavailability assumptions, but this estimate rises to 43% if very low bioavailability (5%) scenarios consistent with high-phytate, low-animal protein diets are considered.
Standard iron deficiency estimates in Africa (5%) may be misleading. If your diet is high in phytates (cereals) and low in animal protein, your actual risk of iron deficiency could be as high as 43%. Consider strategies to improve iron bioavailability.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Deficiency risks for Fe are lower than expected (5%). However, ‘cut-point’ approaches for Fe are sensitive to assumptions regarding requirements; e.g. estimates of Fe deficiency risks are 43% under very low bioavailability scenarios consistent with high-phytate, low-animal protein diets.
Why this rating
Based on Food Balance Sheets (FBS) and food composition data, with sensitivity analysis on bioavailability.
Source
Dietary mineral supplies in Africa
Edward J. M. Joy et al. · Physiologia Plantarum · 2013
narrative_review · n=1010000000Cited 233×
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