Measures
palpitations, headache, shortness of breath
BLOOD, IRON DEFICIENCY, COLD
Blood samples were collected at baseline (week 0) and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of the intervention. In a previous study [Dietary nutrient intake during the intervention was calculated based on the participants’ food records covering 3 days prior to the blood collection at week 0, 2, 4, and 6, respectively. Energy and nutrient intake were automatically calculated using nutrition calculation software (Excel Eiyo-Kun ver. 9).To evaluate physical conditions related to iron deficiency before and after the intervention, participants were scored based on the frequency of each of the following at week 0 and 6: (1) dizzy or lightheaded, (2) shortness of breath or palpitations, (3) headache, (4) feeling cold, (5) looking pale, (6) feeling exhausted, (7) waking up tired, (8) difficulty to concentrate, and (9) decreased motivation. The scores were defined as follows: 1 = never, 2 = 1–2 days in a week, 3 = 3–4 days in a week, 4 = 5–6 days in a week, and 5 = every day.