Study on the causes of the anemia in a rural area in north-eastern part of Thailand Ⅱ. Dietary survey of Thai farmers and intakes of iron and folic acid
Dietary survey on 42 families in 7 villages in Khonkaen district was carried out. Though mean calorie intake was sufficient (2296 Cal), protein intake from animal sources was extremely low. This was due to the fact that farmers ate large amount of rice and other dietary items were used only to make the rice more flavorful. Eightynine percent of the total calorie was taken from rice. Mean intake of iron was 7.9mg/person/day. Standard man ratio made it possible to calculate individual iron intakes from the data of family survey. Iron intakes of each group were 5.6mg in 1-3 years, 8.6mg in 4-5 years, 10.3mg in 6-9 years, 11.2mg in 10-12 years, 16.1mg in males over 13 years, 12.5mg in nonpregnant females, 11.2mg in females over 50 years and 17mg in pregnant and lactating women respectively. Folic acid contents of 52 Thai foods were assayed microbiologically using Lactobacillus casei. Calculation of folic acid intake was also performed using the results of folate assay of foods and other data from literatures. Intake of free folate was 217.4μg/person/day and total folate 346.1μg/person/day. In conclusion, iron intake of the farmers in this district was insufficient except in adult males to meet the increased requirements of children and women. Folic acid intake was rather abundant. The results can explain well the results of the blood examination showing prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and rare occurrence of folic acid deficiency in this district
