Adequate iron levels are necessary to prevent anemia which can present with symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath and pallor. However, new research shows that iron is also important in immunity. A clinical study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(3):516-521) demonstrated that in homebound elderly women, those who were iron deficient had specific impairments in immune function compared to their counterparts who had sufficient iron levels. In general, aging is associated with both declines in immune function and nutrient status, so researchers set out to examine the specific effect of iron in immunity.
Seventy-two homebound elderly women in Pennsylvania provided blood samples for assessment of iron levels and immune function tests. These women were healthy, free of inflammation, and generally well-nourished according to specific criteria to prevent potential confounding of the study. The results showed that in iron-deficient women, stimulated T cell proliferation and respiratory burst (measures of immune function) were reduced, when compared to women with adequate levels of iron. The data from this study is quite reliable as it was a well designed experiment.
The authors explain that iron is essential in many processes carried out by the immune system, so it really comes as no surprise that women with iron deficiency would have compromised immune function. They state, "These findings are of public health significance, and they underscore the importance of diagnosing, treating, and preventing iron deficiency." Elderly patients should routinely have iron levels checked and supplementation should be recommended only when deficiencies are present.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 20, 2006 06:49 PM
