Hypoferremic State in Overweight and Obese Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Hematology

Background:

• High body mass index (BMI) in children is increasingly linked to various health issues.
• Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency with significant health implications.
• Overweight and obesity may influence iron status in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency in children with overweight or obesity.
• To assess the relationship between high BMI and iron status markers in children.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 71 children diagnosed with overweight or obesity for iron deficiency.
• Measurement of key iron status indicators including ferritin and plasma soluble transferrin receptor (sTrfR).
• Calculation of mean BMI, ferritin, and sTrfR levels.

Main Results:

• The mean BMI of the study group was 26.1 kg/m2.
• Mean ferritin levels were 41.9 µg/L and mean sTrfR levels were 0.375 mg/L.
• A significant proportion of children, 28%, had anemia, and 62% exhibited a hypoferraemic state.

Conclusions:

• Children with overweight or obesity are at a high risk for iron deficiency.
• The findings underscore the need for routine iron status screening in pediatric populations with high BMI.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term health consequences associated with iron deficiency in this demographic.