Iron status and hepcidin levels as potential regulators of haemoglobin homeostasis in overweight and obese women of childbearing age

OBJECTIVES: Overweight is considered a risk factor for anaemia. However, the mechanisms underlying anaemia development in overweight and obese people remain unclear. This study analysed the correlation of iron status (soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR]/log ferritin ratio) and hepcidin levels with haemoglobin (Hb) levels in overweight and obese women of childbearing age. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 66 women aged 20–29 years with a body mass index ≥23 kg/m(2). We gathered data on informed consent, demographic characteristics, questionnaire responses, anthropometric and laboratory values. A Spearman correlation test was performed to determine the correlation. RESULTS: The mean levels of ferritin and sTfR were 10.2 ± 8.12 and 22.2 ± 7.96 ng/ml, respectively, and the mean sTfR/log ferritin ratio was 29.3 ± 17.65 nmol/L. The mean hepcidin levels were 9.0 ± 3.05 ng/ml. In total, 75.8% of subjects had low ferritin levels, high sTfR (51.5%) levels, and a high sTfR/log ferritin ratio (87.9%). The sTfR levels (r = −0.359; p = 0.003) and sTfR/log ferritin ratio (r = −0.375; p = 0.002) were negatively correlated with Hb levels. There was no correlation between the levels of hepcidin and Hb (r = −0.140; p = 0.264), but there was a positive correlation between ferritin and Hb levels (r = 0.350; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study showed a correlation between iron status and Hb levels in overweight and obese women of childbearing age. All the women had erythropoiesis with iron deficiency anaemia. We recommend that overweight and obese women undergo further iron parameters for the detection of early anaemia. In this group, the consumption of foods that enhance iron absorption, such as ascorbic acid, should be encouraged.