DIETARY ASCORBIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON IRON EFFICACY AND HEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Objectives: To assess the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the blood iron indices from composite diets.Material and Methods: This randomized experimental trial followed a pre-test post-test design. Vitamin C supplementation(100mg / day) from dietary sources was done for three months while the sample consumed almost uniform diets.Results: Based on written consents, a group of 60 young girls was equally divided into experimental and controlledgroups. The diets of the experimental group were supplemented with citrus sources. Of the sample, anthropometryof majority girls fell well within the WHO standards. Dietary intake record showed major dietary energy sources werecarbohydrates and fats in both of the groups. Dietary intake of cereal based diet was common while iron and Vitamin Cof both the groups were quite low. Anemia was prevalent in this age group. Upon supplementation blood iron indicesimproved gradually and significantly for all indices.Conclusion: The study concludes that adding a Vitamin C source with a meal can improve anemia situation in adolescentgirls over an extended period of time.