Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Iron Deficiency and Anemia? A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract Background The populations suffer from increasing over consumption of food, but continue to have high rates of micronutrient deficiencies. Adipose tissue of obese persons produces increased amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to the development of a low-grade systemic inflammation in these persons. Objectives To determine the relation between body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin (Hg) level, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and C reactive protein (CRP). Methodology The study was carried out on 60 women attending the outpatient clinics of the National Nutrition Institute (Egypt). Participants were divided into two groups; 30 obese women (case group) and 30 normal weight women (control group). Diagnosis of obesity was based on BMI >30. Anemia was diagnosed according to Hg level, serum iron and TIBC. Results The mean Hb level of participant women was 11 gm/dl (SD 1.21) and ranged between 8.7 and 13.8 gm/dl. Hb levels showed no significant difference between obese and normal weight women. Serum iron was higher in normal weight women compared with obese women (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between BMI and Hb levels. BMI had a significant negative correlation with serum iron. BMI has significant positive correlations with TIBC and CRP. Linear regression analysis showed a significant association between Hb levels and waist hip ratio. Conclusions High BMI affected negatively levels of serum iron and is associated with inflammatory process as indicated by higher levels of CRP. High waist hip ratio is an important risk factor for anemia.