[Iron status in postmenopausal women].

Iron intake was determined in 42 postmenopausal women from food records over two three-day periods, with weighing of the food. The average daily intake was 9.4 mg (95% confidence interval 8.8-9.9). In 70% of the women the intake was lower than the nationally recommended 10 mg per day. Serum-ferritin was measured to detect possible iron deficiency. The average serum-ferritin was 60 micrograms/l (95% confidence interval 47-72). Only two women were advised to take iron supplements. One of these women had a serum-ferritin below 12 micrograms/l, which is regarded as empty iron store. A low iron intake in postmenopausal women is not an indication to prescribe iron supplements. Iron deficiency can be assessed only by serum-ferritin measurements.