Anthropometric and Iron Status of Adolescents From Selected Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria

Purpose. We assessed the anthropometric and iron status of adolescents from selected secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric data, nutrient data, and blood samples were collected from 127 adolescents in Nigeria. Demographic information of the adolescents was obtained in the language of choice using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric indices (weight and height), multiple iron status indicator (hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin receptor) and inflammation marker (C-reactive protein) were measured using standard procedures. Subjects were classified by body mass index (BMI) categories as underweight, normal weight, at risk of overweight, and overweight according to the World Health Organization standard. Results. The mean age of the subjects was 16.0 ± 2.3 years. Majority of the subjects (55.1%) had normal BMI values, 21.3% were underweight, and 14.2% were overweight. Boys had significantly (<0.05) higher mean intake for energy and most n...