Der Einfluss von eisenhaltigen Heil- und Mineralwässern auf die Eisenversorgung des menschlichen Organismus – eine kontrollierte Interventionsstudie

Abstract

PURPOSE: The study should assess, whether intake of medicinal mineral water, rich in iron, has a positive effect on hematological parameters and the subjective well-being of members of the Sabbathrest-Advent-Church (a Protestant church) and patients of a medical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a baseline survey 58 church members and 10 patients filled a standardized questionnaire and were screened for blood-parameters associated with the iron metabolism. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention and control group. Intervention: Drinking at least 750 ml of medicinal mineral water of high iron content each day for 6 weeks. Follow-up of both groups after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Changes in hematological parameters did not reach statistical significance in the intervention group. Concerning their well-being, participants in the invention group referred more frequently to positive effects during the intervention-period. 16 participants were excluded from randomization because of low ferritin levels (<12 ng/ml). Nevertheless this group took part in a treatment, which consisted solely in drinking medical mineral waters, rich in iron (without taking any other iron-supplements). As a result there was a significant rise in ferritin levels and a highly significant reduction of erythrocytes with low pigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: It is well known that mineral waters can improve the supply of minerals to the human body. Although we could not assess significant changes in blood parameters of healthy participants, our findings showed that regular drinking of medicinal mineral water of high iron content can improve hematological parameters in persons with existing iron deficiency.