Tehran University Medical Journal

Background: Anemia is the most common nutritional disorder in the world in which iron deficiency is one of its main causes. The prevalence of obesity and risk of iron deficiency anemia in these individuals is increasing. The present study examined the association between iron deficiency, dietary intake and obesity and obesity-induced inflammation in female students.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, from May to March of 2016. A total of 170 female students were selected by stratified random sampling. Being in the age of 18-35 years, having a regular menstrual cycle, not following a specific diet and not taking any medication or dietary supplements that could affect iron status were indicators of inclusion in the study. General information and physical activity questionnaire were completed and a semi-quantitative feed frequency questionnaire was used to obtain food intake information. Anthropometric indicators including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and body fat were measured. Obesity was evaluated with 3 different definitions. Biochemical indices such as iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit, transferrin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, and hs-CRP were also measured.
Results: The dietary intake of iron and some nutrients related to iron (including energy, protein, vitamin C and calcium) showed no significant difference in dietary intake between different groups of obesity definitions. Serum iron levels and hemoglobin concentration had a significant negative correlation with BMI and hs-CRP concentrations (P=0.026 and P=0.01 respectively). The relationship between transferrin levels and total iron binding capacity with the index of waist circumference was positive and significant (P=0.040, P=0.034, respectively). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between obesity and hs-CRP levels (P=0.014). There was no significant relationship between other evaluated factors with different degrees of obesity.
Conclusion: Chronic obesity and inflammation which could be caused by obesity, can contribute to iron deficiency, regardless of dietary iron intake.