Intervention measures against anemia available to plantation workers during pregnancy include fortified food supplements (thriposha) and iron-folate supplements containing 60 mg elemental Fe. The effectiveness of these intervention measures was studied in 195 subjects whose iron and nutritional status were assessed at < 24 and > 32 wk of gestation. Taking thriposha conferred no significant benefit on maternal nutritional status, probably because sufficient amounts were not consumed. An increase in the duration of iron-folate supplementation to > 17 wk caused a significant positive change (P < 0.01) in hemoglobin, whereas an increase in the dose frequency had no significant benefit. Anthelminthic therapy in addition to iron-folate supplements caused a significant positive change in hemoglobin (P < 0.001) and serum ferritin (P < 0.005) compared with no supplementation. Thus, anthelminthic therapy significantly increased the beneficial effects of iron supplementation on hemoglobin concentration and iron status.

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection, living conditions, and practices relating to personal hygiene were studied in schoolgirls (age 14-18 years) in both an urban area (n = 383) and a rural area (n = 231) of Sri Lanka. The impact of helminthic infection on nutritional status was also studied. The prevalence of Ascaris and Trichuris infection was significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in the urban area than in the rural area and this was associated with poor living conditions and personal hygiene. In contrast, the prevalence of hookworm infection was similar in the two areas. Less than 3 per cent of subjects had moderate or heavy infection. Trichuriasis was the commonest helminthic infection and was associated with significantly lower serum vitamin A concentrations than in uninfected subjects. There was no significant difference in body mass index or haemoglobin concentration between infected and uninfected subjects. Our results show that even mild infection with Trichuris had adverse effects on vitamin A status.

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rThe zinc and copper contents of some plant and animal foods commonly available in Sri Lanka were determined. The bioavailability of zinc in plant foods was assessed by determining their phytate content. The food samples in their raw, uncooked state were subjected t o wet digestion and the respective concentranons of zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The phytate phosphorus content of plant foods was determined by the method of Oberleas. The zinc content of foods was higher than that of copper. Fish and Ox liver were the richest sources of zinc and copper. All animal foods studied could make a 'significant contribution t o the supply of zinc in the diet. Of the plant foods analysed, pulses were good sources of both nutrients, while cereals and starchy roots contained moderate amounts. However, both pulses and cereals had phytate to zinc molar ratios exceeding 12, thus decreasing the bioavailability of zinc in these foods. Green leafy vegetables and legumes had higher amounts of copper and bio-availablezinc compared t o other vegetables and fruits.