Comparative Evaluation of Iron Deficiency among Obese and Non-obese Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Hematology

Background:

• Obesity in children is linked to increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency.
• Existing research shows discrepancies in understanding iron deficiency prevalence and markers in obese pediatric populations.
• This study addresses the need to evaluate iron deficiency specifically in obese children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare iron deficiency indicators between obese children and their non-obese peers.
• To analyze serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and plasma ferritin levels in relation to childhood obesity.
• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of iron deficiency in obese versus non-obese children.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 100 children aged 5-15 years.
• Cases comprised 50 obese children, and controls included 50 non-obese children.
• Biochemical analysis of serum iron, TIBC, and plasma ferritin (ELISA) was performed on blood samples.

Main Results:

• Obese children exhibited significantly lower mean serum iron (52.38 µg/dL vs. 64.50 µg/dL) and higher TIBC (434.80 µg/dL vs. 382.28 µg/dL) compared to controls (P<0.02 and P<0.008, respectively).
• Plasma ferritin levels were comparable between obese (70.56 ng/mL) and non-obese (68.06 ng/mL) children (P=0.79).
• While 8.3% of obese children had ferritin <15 ng/mL, 100% of iron-deficient non-obese children had ferritin <15 ng/mL (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Obese children demonstrate lower serum iron and higher TIBC, indicating altered iron metabolism.
• Similar ferritin levels between groups may be attributed to the inflammatory state associated with obesity.
• The study suggests considering higher ferritin reference values for obese children due to potential obesity-induced inflammation.