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Effects of ascaris infection on iron absorption in children
I Işlek1, S Küçüködük, F Cetínkaya
1Ondokuz Mayis University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Samsun, Turkey.
Insights
Ascaris infection in children did not cause iron malabsorption or iron deficiency anemia. Oral iron absorption levels were similar in infected children and healthy controls, and higher in those with anemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a common nutritional deficiency in children worldwide.
- Ascariasis, a parasitic worm infection, is also prevalent in many populations.
- The potential link between Ascariasis and iron deficiency anemia requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Ascaris infection on oral iron absorption in children.
- To determine if Ascaris infection contributes to iron deficiency anemia in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Hematological parameters were assessed in children.
- Oral iron absorption tests were conducted.
- Participants included Ascaris-infected children, healthy controls, and children with iron deficiency anemia.
Main Results:
- Oral iron absorption levels were similar between Ascaris-infected children and healthy controls.
- Children with iron deficiency anemia exhibited relatively high oral iron absorption levels.
- Ascaris infection did not appear to impair oral iron absorption.
Conclusions:
- Ascaris infection does not seem to cause iron malabsorption in children.
- The study suggests that Ascaris infection is unlikely to be a primary cause of iron deficiency anemia.
Abstract:
Twenty-six Ascaris-infected children and 21 control children (10 of whom had iron-deficiency anaemia) were subjected to haematological and oral iron absorption tests. The levels of oral iron absorption by the infected children and by the healthy controls were similar, whereas the level of absorption by the children with iron deficiency anaemia was relatively high. It therefore appears that Ascaris infection does not lead to iron malabsorption and iron deficiency anaemia in children.