Obese and overweight children at risk of iron deficiency

A new study by nutritional scientists at the University of Leeds has discovered that kids and teens who have excess weight are more likely to have iron deficiency, which poses a greater risk to their health.

A group of scientists from the School of Food Science and Nutrition scrutinized numerous medical reports from 44 different nations that involved individuals under the age of 25. These studies recorded their weight and levels of iron and other nutrients and minerals.

They discovered a connection between insufficient iron and children or teenagers who were either underweight or overweight.

The level of iron in the body can signal potential health problems, but the significant concern is that continuous inflammation can result in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver.

On the other hand, children who were malnourished showed a lack of zinc and vitamin A. This led the researchers to determine that inflammation may be interfering with the processes responsible for absorbing iron in overweight children with iron deficiency.

Today, on May 10, 2024, the journal BMJ Global Health has published the findings of a study that received funding from the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

When children lack sufficient amounts of iron, it can cause detrimental effects on their brain function. This includes difficulties with paying attention, focusing, and remembering information. Furthermore, it can also amplify the likelihood of developing conditions like autism and ADHD.

This study is the inaugural investigation to explore the correlation between obesity and children, even though it is already an acknowledged predicament in grown-ups.

The main writer of the article, Xiaomian Tan, who is a student that is doing research for a Doctorate degree in the area of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds, expressed that there is knowledge about how lacking certain nutrients affect children and their development, but not enough is understood about the dangers of being deficient in iron, vitamin A, and zinc for children and teenagers who have a high body weight and might be unhealthy, which makes this a type of malnutrition that is not easily noticeable.

Our study holds tremendous significance owing to the large number of children affected by obesity. Our objective is to enhance awareness of this issue among medical professionals and encourage enhancements in medical practices and treatment.

In the past, the issue has been associated with starvation and is especially worrisome in countries with lower and middle incomes. In such countries, hunger may be the main reason for the death of children.

It is becoming more and more evident that people who are overweight and obese, and consume a diet high in energy but low in nutrients, may suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are often overlooked and referred to as 'hidden hunger'.

Obesity is often linked to ultra-processed foods that are rich in fat, sugar, salt, and energy in countries with high-income levels. On the other hand, in countries with lower- and middle-income levels, obesity is commonly associated with poverty and tedious diets that have limited options for staples like wheat, corn, potatoes, and rice.

Numerous countries that are in the process of developing are currently dealing with two issues of malnourishment accompanied with excessive nourishment. This is due to the speedy rise of obesity levels across the entire globe in the past few years, with the children between the ages of five to nineteen being most affected.

The study also points out variations in priorities between wealthy countries and less developed regions. Majority of the research conducted in Africa and Asia is devoted to undernourishment, whereas those conducted in North America and Europe solely concentrate on overeating.

The experts state that this is especially worrying because Africa and Asia are currently facing the greatest issue of double malnutrition caused by the expansion of their economy and the shift towards a Western-style diet that is high in sugar and fat.

From 2000 to 2017, Africa had a surge in the amount of overweight children under five years old, going from 6.6 million to 9.7 million. Meanwhile, in Asia, there was an increase from 13.9 million to 17.5 million children of the same category. In addition, there was also a jump in the amount of undernourished kids under the age of five in Africa, which went from 50.6 million to 58.7 million during this same period of time.

The head of the research team, Bernadette Moore, who is a professor of Nutritional Sciences at the School of Food Science and Nutrition in Leeds, stated that the mentioned data highlights the significant need to examine micronutrient deficiencies in correlation with malnutrition's dual burden for the wellbeing of children. Her words emphasize the importance of this topic for children's health.

In the United Kingdom, about 33% of children have excessive weight or obesity by the time they reach 11 years old. Our records indicate that even amongst overweight children, inflammation may occur, resulting in a shortage of iron.

The condition of iron levels in the body may serve as an early indication of a potential issue, but the true problem lies in the fact that continuous inflammation can result in the development of heart disease, diabetes, and a fatty liver.

Studies have indicated that engaging in more physical activity and making positive changes to one's diet can lower inflammation levels and lead to better iron status in kids. As a result, experts are urging more research to be conducted in order to better understand the impact of such interventions.

They also have the belief that further exploration is necessary to study the lack of micronutrients and the issue of both undernourishment and over-nutrition in those countries where information is currently not sufficient.

The article "Overnutrition as a Risk Factor for Iron Deficiency in Children and Young Adults: A Review and Meta-Analysis" was released today in BMJ Global Health. The study found that having an excessive intake of nutrients is linked to a higher likelihood of lacking iron, but not zinc or vitamin A, in young individuals.

If you need to get in touch with the media, reach out to Kersti Mitchell who is part of the press office at the University of Leeds. You can contact her through email at [email protected].