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Published on: February 2, 2017

Red Blood Cell Parameters, Iron Metabolism and Vitamin B12 Status in Children with Obesity: Associations with Diet

Ewelina Cichocka-Mroczek1,2, Anna Iwańska2,3,4, Dawid Goncerz2,3,4

  • 1Laboratory of Pediatric Dietetics, Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland.

Nutrients
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric obesity shows no low hemoglobin but may indicate early iron metabolism issues. Vitamin B12 intake may affect red blood cells, warranting further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Hematology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Obesity is linked to various metabolic and hematological abnormalities.
  • Understanding these links is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate red blood cell (RBC) parameters, iron metabolism, and vitamin B12 status in children with obesity.
  • To investigate the impact of dietary intake and obesity-related complications on these hematological markers.
  • To identify potential subclinical disturbances associated with pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 152 children with obesity.
  • Assessment of anthropometric, biochemical, and hematological parameters.
  • Dietary intake evaluation in a subgroup (n=33) using 3-day food records.

Main Results:

  • No cases of low hemoglobin were observed.
  • Elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and low ferritin suggested iron metabolism disturbances.
  • BMI Z-score correlated positively with RBC count and iron markers; body fat percentage correlated negatively with hemoglobin and hematocrit.
  • Protein and vitamin B12 intake were associated with erythrocyte parameters.
  • Elevated liver enzymes correlated with higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric obesity is not linked to low hemoglobin but may involve early, subclinical iron metabolism disturbances.
  • Dietary factors, especially vitamin B12, may influence erythrocyte parameters, requiring cautious interpretation.
  • Further research with comprehensive biomarkers and investigation into liver function's impact on erythrocyte indices is recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
adipositybody compositionchildhood obesitydietary intakeerythrocyte parametersferritiniron statuspediatric populationtotal iron-binding capacityvitamin B12

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