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Calcium in drinking water: effect on iron stores in Danish blood donors-results from the Danish Blood Donor Study

Andreas S Rigas1, Benedikte H Ejsing1, Erik Sørensen1

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Transfusion
|March 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Higher calcium in drinking water, indicated by water hardness, is linked to lower iron levels (ferritin) and increased iron deficiency risk in Danish blood donors. The association was observed in both men and women.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Calcium is known to inhibit iron absorption.
  • Danish tap water's calcium content varies based on groundwater sources.
  • This study explores the link between drinking water calcium and iron status in blood donors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between calcium in drinking water (water hardness) and iron levels (ferritin) in Danish blood donors.
  • To assess the impact of water hardness on the risk of iron deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from The Danish Blood Donor Study, including ferritin levels, lifestyle factors, and residence.
  • Obtained groundwater hardness data from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.
  • Performed regression analyses to evaluate the effect of water hardness on ferritin and iron deficiency risk, stratified by sex.

Main Results:

  • A significant negative association was found between water hardness and ferritin levels in both men and women.
  • Increased water hardness correlated with a higher risk of iron deficiency in both sexes.
  • No significant association was observed in individuals taking supplemental iron.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium content in residential drinking water is associated with blood donors' iron levels and iron deficiency risk.
  • The observed effect sizes linking water hardness to iron status were small.
  • Water hardness may be a contributing factor to iron status variations in the general population.
Abstract

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