Women were eligible for the study if they met the following criteria: 1) non-pregnant and between the ages of 18~35 y; 2) of East Asian descent with both maternal and paternal grandparents from East Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore; 3) not taking any vitamin or mineral supplements for at least 1 month before the study and during the 2-week study interval; 4) no pre-existing medical problems including malabsorption, blood disorders, ulcers, joint diseases or asthma that might impact inflammation or Fe status; 5) not taking any prescribed medications known to affect iron homeostasis.