Eur J Nutr 42 : 287– 292 (2003) DOI 10.1007/s00394-003-0425-3 ■ Summary Background Enrich- ment of wheat flour with iron, which commenced in Finland in the mid-1970s, ceased in 1994. No data on iron status among adults have been published since 1993. Received: 28 June 2002 Accepted: 26 March 2003 M. Lahti-Koski · Liisa M.Valsta, PhD () · H. Tapanainen Dept. of Epidemiology and Health Promotion National Public Health Institute (KTL) Mannerheimintie 166 00300 Helsinki, Finland Tel.: +3 58-9/47 44-85 98 Fax: +358-9/4744-8591 E-Mail: liisa.valsta@ktl.fi G. Alfthan · A. Aro Dept. of Health and Functional Capacity National Public Health Institute (KTL) Helsinki, Finland Aim of the study To assess the iron status, adequacy of iron intake and dietary sources of iron in Finnish adults. Methods A random sample of adults aged 25–64 years in the capital area of Finland was strati- fied for sex and 10-year age groups. Food consumption was measured with 24-h recall and a 38-item food frequency questionnaire. Iron sta- tus was evaluated by haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and other haematological variables from ve- nous blood samples in both gen- ders (n = 239 men and 190 women), and serum ferritin (SF) for women (n = 137). Results The mean Hb concentration was 133 ± 12 g/l and 137 ± 10 g/l for women aged < 50 years and ≥ 50 years, respectively, and 150 ± 10 g/l for men. In younger women, the mean SF level was 32 ± 30 μg/l and 20 % of women showed iron depletion (SF < 12 μg/l), whereas in older women, the respective results were 62 ± 59 μg/l and 11 %. The preva- lence of anaemia was 5.8 % for women (Hb < 120 g/l) and 1.3 % for men (Hb < 130 g/l). The respective mean intakes of iron were 10 mg/d and 13 mg/d. Cereals and meat were the major dietary sources of iron. Conclusions While iron status is fairly good among Finnish males, especially in younger women it is suboptimal, with iron intake failing to reach recom- mended levels. Food consumption was poorly associated with iron status. ■ Key words iron status – ferritin – haemoglobin – iron intake – dietary sources – Finland ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION Marjaana Lahti-Koski Liisa M.Valsta Georg Alfthan Heli Tapanainen Antti Aro Iron status of adults in the capital area of Finland Introduction Dietary habits in Finland have improved over the past few decades. Most of these changes in food consump- tion, such as increased consumption of sources of haeme iron (meat) and foods rich in vitamin C (vegeta- bles and fruits) should have been favourable regarding iron status. However, cereal consumption has decreased [1]. In addition, the fortification of white flour with in- organic iron (4 mg ferrum reductum/100 g flour), which began in 1974, ceased in 1994. Although iron deficiency is typical for populations in developing countries, iron depletion and anaemia are also present in Western populations, based on studies carried out in Europe [2]. Some thirty years ago, the prevalence of anaemia was shown to be about 6% in Finnish women [3]. In a more recent study, the propor- tion of women with low iron stores was still a matter of concern [4]. However, recent studies on iron status of Finns, particularly men, are lacking. This study was carried out to assess the iron status in a random sample of adults living in the capital area of Finland. We also investigated the dietary intake and sources of iron and the prevalence of iron supplement use as well as the associations of these with indicators of iron status. EJN 425