Biochemical status of protein and iron in low income elderly women living in Nairobi City, East Africa

Abstract

A total of 201 elderly women (x = 64.3 yrs, range 57–74 yrs) were randomly selected for a nutritional survey. Subjects represented two residential areas of the city of Nairobi; 113 subjects lived in a very poor slum zone with a monthly income of ≤$20 (Canadian) (group I) and 88 subjects resided in a low income area with a monthly income ≤$170 (Canadian) (group II). In group I, the mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of group II. However mean values for other biochemical indices, including serum total protein and albumin, haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), total iron-bonding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation, did not differ between the groups and were within acceptable normal limits. The distribution of these values revealed that group I elderly were at greater risk than group II. Pearson correlation coefficients for group I showed significant relationships between: Hb and serum iron; serum iron and TIBC (a negative correlation); and TIBC and serum albumin (a positive correlation). Results of this study indicate that group I very poor slum dwellers were at greater risk of protein and iron deficiencies than low income group II elderly.