Wellness Database: Iron
Iron is an important nutrient that may benefit cognitive functioning and weight loss.
Iron and Folic Acid Supplements Reduce Child Mortality in Developing Nations
Summary: In a study involving data collected from 52,917 singleton live-born infants and from the deaths of 1,525 children under the age of 5 years, risk of death of children under the age of 5 was significantly reduced by 34% if the mother consumed iron-folic acid supplements (adjusted HR=0.66), with the greatest effect found for deaths on the first day of life (adjusted HR=0.40. Reduction in neonatal deaths during days 1-30 was also found (adjusted HR=0.69), as was a reduction in postneonatal deaths (adjusted HR=0.74). A strong dose-response relationship was found with increasing numbers of iron-folic acid supplements consumed linked to an even greater protection from death in children < 5 years of age. The authors state,"In developing countries increased use of antenatal iron-folic acid supplements will reduce deaths of children <5 y of age, especially in the first year of life."
Reference: "Iron and folic acid supplements in pregnancy improve child survival in Indonesia," Dibley MJ, Titaley CR, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2012 Jan; 95(1): 220-30. (Address: Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia).
Supplementation for a Metabolic Tune Up
An optimum intake of micronutrients and metabolites, which varies with age and genetic constitution, would tune up metabolism and give a marked increase in health, particularly for the poor, young, obese, and elderly, at little cost. (1) DNA damage. Deficiency of vitamins B-12, folic acid, B-6, C or E, or iron or zinc appears to mimic radiation in damaging DNA by causing single- and double-strand breaks, oxidative lesions or both. Half of the population may be deficient in at least one of these micronutrients. (2) The Km concept. Approximately 50 different human genetic diseases that are due to a poorer binding affinity (Km) of the mutant enzyme for its coenzyme can be remedied by feeding high-dose B vitamins, which raise levels of the corresponding coenzyme. Many polymorphisms also result in a lowered affinity of enzyme for coenzyme. (3) Mitochondrial oxidative decay. This decay, which is a major contributor to aging, can be ameliorated by feeding old rats the normal mitochondrial metabolites acetyl carnitine and lipoic acid at high levels. Many common micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron or biotin, cause mitochondrial decay with oxidant leakage leading to accelerated aging and neural decay.
Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004 Mar 1;423(1):227-34.
Obese Women and Children May Have Iron Deficiency
Summary: In a study involving data collected from 1174 children between 5 and 12 years of age and 621 non-pregnant women between 18 and 50 years of age, out of which 23.5% of the women and 3.5% of the children were obese, the prevalence of iron deficiency was significantly higher among obese women and children as compared to normal weight subjects, despite similar dietary iron intakes (OR=1.92 and 3.96 for women and children, respectively). In addition, serum iron concentrations were lower in obese women as compared to normal weight women (62.6 vs. 72.4 microg/dL). Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) were 4 times higher in obese women and children as compared to normal weight subjects. Independent of BMI, CRP was found to be a strong negative predictor of iron status. The authors speculate that obesity-related inflammation may prevent the optimal absorption of iron. These results suggest that in order to eradicate iron deficiency, obesity and obesity-related inflammation must be addressed as well.
Reference: "Sharply higher rates of iron deficiency in obese Mexican women and children are predicted by obesity-related inflammation rather than by differences in dietary iron intake," Cepeda-Lopez AC, Osendarp SJ, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2011 March 16; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Netherlands).
Iron and Zinc Supplements Improve Memory in Children
Iron and zinc deficiency is surprisingly common among children. This study demonstrates the benefits of supplementation.
In a study involving 100 children aged 6 to 11 years, results indicate that iron and zinc deficiency may be associated with memory deficits which may improve with iron and zinc supplementation. The children were categorized as iron deficient, zinc deficient and iron and zinc deficient. Children in the deficient group received supplementation with iron (2 mg/kg body weight/day) and zinc (5 mg/day). Children aged 6-8 years and 9-11 years with iron and zinc deficiency showed memory deficits (verbal and non-verbal memory in the 9-11 age group, and only non-verbal memory in the 6-8 age group), which improved with iron and zinc supplementation. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Iron and zinc deficiency is associated with memory deficits in children. There is a marked improvement in memory after supplementation."
Read more here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20972302
Moms who take folic acid and iron have smarter kids
Children in rural Nepal whose mothers were given iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy were smarter, more organized and had better fine motor skills than children whose mothers did not get them, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. They said ensuring that pregnant women get this basic prenatal care could have a big effect on the educational futures of children who live in poor communities where iron deficiency is common."Iron is essential for the development of the central nervous system," said Parul Christian, an expert in international health at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world, affecting 2 billion people, according to the World Health Organization. Early iron deficiency can interfere with nerve development, biochemistry and metabolism, hampering both intellectual and fine motor development.
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