NUT3705
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 MAY 2025
, FINAL PORTFOLIO: THE IMPORTANCE OF IRON IN ADOLESCENT NUTRITION
SECTION A: Improved Literature Review and Presentation Text
A.1 Literature Review
Title: The Importance of Iron in Adolescent Nutrition: A South African Perspective
Introduction
Adolescents experience rapid physical growth and cognitive development, increasing
their nutritional demands. Iron is an essential micronutrient required for oxygen
transport, energy production, and immune functioning. In South Africa, iron deficiency
remains a major public health concern, especially among adolescent girls.
Discussion
Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries
oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, adolescents can develop iron
deficiency anaemia (IDA), which can impair school performance, reduce physical
capacity, and delay development.
There are two types of dietary iron: haem iron (found in animal sources like liver and
beef) and non-haem iron (from plant sources like beans, lentils, spinach). Haem iron
has higher bioavailability, but a predominantly plant-based diet—common in many
South African households—puts adolescents at higher risk of deficiency.
According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS), over 20% of
adolescent girls aged 15–19 show signs of anaemia. Menstruation increases iron loss,
which, if not replaced, leads to fatigue, poor concentration, and weakened immunity.
Multiple studies, including work by Dr. M. Labadarios et al., have shown that iron
fortification of staple foods (e.g., maize meal) and supplementation programs can
significantly reduce anaemia prevalence.
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 30 MAY 2025
, FINAL PORTFOLIO: THE IMPORTANCE OF IRON IN ADOLESCENT NUTRITION
SECTION A: Improved Literature Review and Presentation Text
A.1 Literature Review
Title: The Importance of Iron in Adolescent Nutrition: A South African Perspective
Introduction
Adolescents experience rapid physical growth and cognitive development, increasing
their nutritional demands. Iron is an essential micronutrient required for oxygen
transport, energy production, and immune functioning. In South Africa, iron deficiency
remains a major public health concern, especially among adolescent girls.
Discussion
Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries
oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, adolescents can develop iron
deficiency anaemia (IDA), which can impair school performance, reduce physical
capacity, and delay development.
There are two types of dietary iron: haem iron (found in animal sources like liver and
beef) and non-haem iron (from plant sources like beans, lentils, spinach). Haem iron
has higher bioavailability, but a predominantly plant-based diet—common in many
South African households—puts adolescents at higher risk of deficiency.
According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS), over 20% of
adolescent girls aged 15–19 show signs of anaemia. Menstruation increases iron loss,
which, if not replaced, leads to fatigue, poor concentration, and weakened immunity.
Multiple studies, including work by Dr. M. Labadarios et al., have shown that iron
fortification of staple foods (e.g., maize meal) and supplementation programs can
significantly reduce anaemia prevalence.
