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Evaluation of Erythrocyte Iron Incorporation in Beijing Prepubertal Children Using a Single Stable Isotope Tracer
Yu Zhang1, Ya Jie Li2, Tong Xiang Ren3
1Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, MOH, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.
Insights
Iron incorporation in red blood cells (RBCs) was studied in children using stable iron isotopes. Girls showed higher iron incorporation rates, suggesting increased iron intake is needed for prepubertal girls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Hematology
- Stable Isotope Research
Background:
- Iron is crucial for child development, and understanding iron metabolism is vital for preventing deficiencies.
- Erythrocyte iron incorporation is a key indicator of iron status and utilization within the body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the rate of erythrocyte iron incorporation in prepubertal children using stable iron isotopes.
- To provide guidance on iron nutrition for prepubertal children based on incorporation rates.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-seven prepubertal children received oral stable iron isotope (57Fe) supplementation over 5 days.
- Stable isotope ratios in red blood cells (RBCs) were measured at 14, 28, 60, and 90 days.
- Erythrocyte incorporation rates were calculated using isotope ratios, blood volume, and body iron mass.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte 57Fe incorporation increased from day 14, peaking at day 60 (boys: 19.67%, girls: 21.33%).
- Girls exhibited significantly higher erythrocyte 57Fe incorporation rates on day 60 compared to boys (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of 57Fe effectively measures erythrocyte iron incorporation within 90 days in children.
- Prepubertal girls may require increased iron intake, highlighting the need for focused attention on iron status in this demographic.
Objective:
To analyze the rate of erythrocyte iron incorporation and provided guidance for the iron nutrition for prepubertal children.
Methods:
Fifty-seven prepubertal children of Beijing were involved in this study and each subject was orally administered 3 mg of 57Fe twice daily to obtain a total of 30 mg 57Fe after a 5-d period. The stable isotope ratios in RBCs were determined in 14th day, 28th day, 60th day, and 90th day. The erythrocyte incorporation rate in children was calculated using the stable isotope ratios, blood volume and body iron mass.
Results:
The percentage of erythrocyte 57Fe incorporation increased starting 14 th day, reached a peak at 60 d (boys: 19.67% ± 0.56%, girls: 21.33% ± 0.59%) and then decreased. The erythrocyte incorporation rates of 57Fe obtained for girls in 60th day was significantly higher than those obtained for boys ( P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
The oral administration of 57Fe to children can be used to obtain erythrocyte iron incorporation within 90 d. Prepubertal girls should begin to increase the intake of iron and further studies should pay more attention to the iron status in prepubertal children.
