Purdue News

Expert on iron absorption to speak at Purdue University

Elaine R. Monsen, professor of nutrition at the University of Washington, will lecture on "The Iron Paradox: Assessing Risks and Benefits" at 8 p.m. in Room 218, Stewart Center. There also will be a reception at 7 p.m.

Monsen will focus on the debate generated by a recent Finnish study that suggested too much iron may lead to heart disease. She also will discuss the danger of iron deficiency for the general public.

In addition to the debates about iron absorption, Monsen will discuss hemachromatosis, a relatively rare condition that causes people to absorb excess iron from normal amounts of food. The condition may ultimately lead to damage to the liver and pancreas.

Monsen developed the Monsen Formula, which predicts iron absorption from daily meals. The formula assists people in deciding which foods are healthy, and which to avoid depending on the iron content. She also is editor of The Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

The event is part the Eva Goble lecture series, sponsored by the School of Consumer and Family Sciences and the Department of Foods and Nutrition.

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

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