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Iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children

Güzide Doğan1, Nesibe Andiran2, Nurullah Çelik3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Fatih University, Ankara, Turkey.

Minerva Pediatrica
|December 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Obese children show higher risks of iron deficiency, with lower serum iron and transferrin saturation. This highlights the need to consider iron status in dietary recommendations for pediatric obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is prevalent in obese children, yet the mechanisms remain poorly understood.
  • Limited research exists on the relationship between iron deficiency and obesity specifically in pediatric populations.
  • This study investigates iron parameters, pro-hepcidin, and soluble transferrin receptor in obese children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine iron status indicators in obese children.
  • To assess levels of pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor in relation to obesity.
  • To explore the associations between iron parameters and these specific biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 110 children (ages 6-16) was studied, including 50 with primary obesity and 60 healthy controls.
  • Comprehensive blood analyses were performed, measuring complete blood count, serum iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and pro-hepcidin.
  • Statistical comparisons were made between the obese and control groups.

Main Results:

  • Obese children exhibited significantly lower serum iron and transferrin saturation.
  • Elevated red cell distribution width and ferritin levels were observed in obese children compared to controls.
  • No significant association was found between soluble transferrin receptor or pro-hepcidin and iron parameters, though ferritin and pro-hepcidin showed a positive correlation.

Conclusions:

  • Obese children and adolescents face an increased risk of iron deficiency.
  • Iron deficiency should be a key consideration when formulating dietary guidelines for obese children.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific pathways linking obesity and altered iron metabolism in children.
Abstract

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