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Serum folate and folic acid binding proteins in iron deficiency anaemia
Insights
Iron deficiency anemia in children is linked to lower red cell folate levels, but not serum folate. Elevated serum folic acid binding protein (FABP) was observed in anemic children, suggesting a potential role in iron deficiency anemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder in children.
- Folate status and its binding proteins are crucial for erythropoiesis and overall health.
- The interplay between iron deficiency, folate levels, and folic acid binding protein (FABP) in pediatric IDA requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum and red cell folate levels in children with iron deficiency anemia.
- To assess serum folic acid binding protein (FABP) concentrations in pediatric IDA.
- To explore the correlations between folate status, FABP, and hematological parameters in anemic children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 20 children (aged 6-12 years) diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.
- Measurement of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, serum folate, red cell folate, and serum FABP.
- Comparison of these parameters with normal subjects.
Main Results:
- Children with IDA exhibited significantly lower red cell folate levels compared to controls, though all remained above 100 ng/ml.
- Serum folate levels did not differ significantly between anemic and normal children.
- Serum FABP levels were significantly elevated in the IDA group and showed no correlation with hemoglobin, hematocrit, or folate levels.
Conclusions:
- Red cell folate deficiency is a notable finding in pediatric iron deficiency anemia.
- Elevated serum FABP in IDA warrants further investigation into its specific role and clinical significance.
- These findings highlight the complex nutritional interactions in pediatric anemia.
Abstract:
Serum and red cell folate and folic acid binding protein (FABP) concentrations were determined on 20 iron deficiency anaemic children of both sexes aged 6--12 years. All cases had haemoglobin level less than 12 gm% or haematocrit less than 36% with low serum iron and elevated unsaturated iron binding capacity. Serum folate levels in the anaemic group was not significantly different from that of normal subjects while red cell folate level was significantly lower in the anaemic group. However, all cases had red cell folate levels higher than 100 ng/ml. There was a direct relationship between the haemoglobin concentration and serum folate level. Serum FABP level in the anaemic group was found to be significantly higher than that of normal subjects and showed no correlation with haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum or red cell folate levels. The significance of elevated serum FABP was discussed.