A Program of Research on Problems of Malnutrition in the Middle East and Africa (Namru-3 Region)

摘要

Interest was directed toward the problem of anemia. Studies included: (a) Investigation of the interrelationship of hookworm disease and iron deficiency anemia. This study showed a relationship between the severity of anemia and magnitude of the hookworm infestation as quantitated by the number of parasites expelled after administration of an effective vermifuge, (b) Investigation of the absorption of radioactive iron by anemic and non-anemic subjects, of iron incorporated as an enrichment mixture in maize, and the availability of iron naturally occurring in food products (chicken, eggs, maize, beans, wheat). These investigations as initially planned have been extended to study in greater detail the physiology of the metal in the plant when applied by injection into the growing stem as well as leaf application. Similar studies with zinc are now in progress.