Siriluk Porkaew. Determination of iron availability from Halal foods. Master's Degree(Radiological Science). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Determination of iron availability from Halal foods
Abstract:
Iron deficiency is a major nutritional problem in the world and in many Islamic
countries in Asia. The most common cause of iron deficiency is a dietary iron intake
which cannot cover the bodys requirements. Islam is the second largest religion in the
world and their religious obligations allow them to consume only Halal foods. The
purpose of this study was to determine the iron availability in Halal foods by an in
vitro 59Fe radiometric method that simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results of
iron availability test on the 91 Halal meals were divided as low (5.88±0.38%),
intermediate (13.05±0.45%), high (17.22±0.47%) and very high (25.84±1.08%) iron
availability. Halal meals in the low iron availability group had a small amount of
animal protein or their ingredients contained iron absorption inhibitors such as phytate
in bean sprout and egg, while the ingredients of very high iron availability group were
enhancers such as vitamin C in chinese kale, chinese cabbage and tomato. The
average amount of expected iron absorbed from Halal meals was 0.330 ± 0.039
mgFe/meal or 0.989 mg per day. This amount is sufficient only for children (under 7
years old) and menopausal women. A comparison of other food compositions between
Halal foods and general Thai foods from Vajira and Siriraj hospital kitchens showed
that Sirirajs special meals had a significantly higher iron content and expected
absorbed iron than in Halal or Vajira meals. The content of phytate (a form of
phosphorus),an inhibitory factor in iron absorption, in Vajira kitchen was significantly
different from Siriraj kitchen but was not significantly different from Halal meals. The
phosphorus content in Vajira meals was significantly higher than other meals.
In conclusion, Halal foods and general Thai foods do not differ in dietary iron and
iron availability. But the average daily absorption is insufficient to meet the iron
requirements of healthy individuals in all age and gender groups. To meet or exceed
the amount needed to maintain a nutritional state of adequacy in all ages and genders,
individuals must consume a variety of iron-rich foods and iron absorption-enhancing
foods. To maximize iron absorption, the consumption of foods that can inhibit or
interfere with iron absorption should be avoided.