Iron Deficiency in Female State Fair Attendees
Condition: Iron-deficiency; Iron Deficiency Anemia; Iron Deficiency (Without Anemia)
MeSH terms: Anemia; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Iron Deficiencies
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      This study aims to examine iron deficiency symptoms and biochemical iron status based on
      hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity in menstruating females.
    

Detailed description: 
      Iron deficiency affects nearly 2 billion people globally, and it is among the most common
      risk factors for disability and death. In its most extreme presentation, it results in
      anemia, where the RBC count of the individual is markedly low, hindering oxygen transport.
      Anemia has a remarkable global presence, affecting approximately one third of the world's
      population. Though there are multiple causes for anemia, the World Health Organization (WHO)
      estimates that the most common cause for anemia on the planet is iron deficiency. Although
      findings from the US indicate that iron deficiency is less prevalent than in many other
      nations, iron deficiency is still a pervasive national public health concern. A study that
      analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2007-2010
      indicated that US children 5 years of age and younger have an anemia incidence of 3.2
      percent.

      Incidence of depression varies based on diagnostic tools used and categories included, as
      well as the country, gender, age, and socioeconomic status of individuals. Globally, it is
      estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of people experience major depressive disorder (MDD)
      while between 2.5 and 5 percent experience dysthymia, a depression that involves less severe
      symptoms but has a chronic manifestation. On average, the first onset of depression is 20
      years old, though this figure is highly variable. It has consistently been demonstrated that
      females experience a much higher incidence of depression than males. MDD has repeatedly been
      reported in females at rates 1.5 to 3 times that of males, and female dysthymia has been
      reported at 2 times that of males.

      The current state of the literature on the connection between mental health and iron status
      is further muddled by subjective, self-reported assessments and a lack of randomized
      controlled trials, but the evidence certainly suggests an association. Affective
      characteristics studied in relation to iron deficiency include irritability, anger, or mood;
      depression, both as postpartum depression (PPD) or depression independently; and perceived
      QOL. Differences in assessment tools as well as length and dosage of iron treatment likely
      play a pivotal role in discordant results. Most studies also include fatigue as a primary
      outcome as it is closely tied to these affective characteristics.

      The aim of this study is to further investigate iron status and iron deficiency symptoms in
      menstruating females. It builds on the existing research for use of cutoff values for various
      biochemical assessments of iron as well as for stages of deficiency in which symptoms are
      experienced. In addition, the association between iron status, measured either biochemically
      or by self-reported iron deficiency symptoms, and depression was examined.
    

Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Because menstruation causes much lower iron stores in adult females, this study targeted
        adult, menstruating, non-pregnant females. Additionally, inflammation and iron metabolism
        disorders can result in biochemical iron values that are difficult to interpret, so these
        conditions were excluded.
      
Biospecimen description: 
      serum from each subject was coded and frozen in a -80 degrees C in a lab at the University of
      Minnesota
    
Keywords: Cognition; Executive functioning; Depression; Affect; adult females