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Elevated serum iron concentration in adolescent alcohol users
I M Friedman1, H C Kraemer, F S Mendoza
1Department of Pediatrics, Stanford (Calif) University School of Medicine.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Adolescent alcohol use is linked to higher serum iron and transferrin saturation, particularly in males. These changes may indicate future liver damage risks.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Iron metabolism
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcohol is a common adolescent substance.
- In adults, alcohol disrupts iron metabolism, potentially causing liver damage.
- Adolescent alcohol consumption's impact on iron levels is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation in adolescents.
- To assess the influence of oral contraceptive use on these alcohol-related iron abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971-1973).
- Inclusion of 591 males and 614 females aged 16-19 years.
- Grouping participants by reported alcohol intake frequency.
Main Results:
- Drinking frequency correlated with serum iron in both sexes.
- Alcohol use was linked to elevated serum iron in non-oral contraceptive users.
- Male alcohol users showed increased transferrin saturation and hemoglobin concentration.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent alcohol consumption is associated with elevated serum iron.
- Male adolescent alcohol users exhibit increased transferrin saturation.
- These iron metabolism alterations may signal early risks for hepatic iron overload and liver disease.