Iron, Human Growth, and the Global Epidemic of Obesity

Abstract

Iron is an essential nutrient utilized in almost every aspect of cell function and its availability has previously limited life. Those same properties which allow iron to function as a catalyst in the reactions of life also present a threat via generation of oxygen-based free radicals. Accordingly; life exists at the interface of iron-deficiency and iron-sufficiency. We propose that: (1) human life is no longer positioned at the limits of iron availability following several decades of fortification and supplementation and there is now an overabundance of the metal among individuals of many societies; (2) this increased iron availability exerts a positive effect on growth by targeting molecules critical in regulating the progression of the cell cycle; there is increased growth in humans provided greater amounts of this metal; and indices of obesity can positively correlate with body stores of iron; and (3) diseases of obesity reflect this over-abundance of iron. Testing potential associations between iron availability and both obesity and obesity-related diseases in populations will be difficult since fortification and supplementation is so extensively practiced.

Deferoxamine attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and protects against endotoxic shock in mice

“…Iron is an essential trace element utilized in almost every aspect of normal cell function and body growth [1]. Most iron is stored in ferritin, which is a ubiquitously expressed cytosolic iron-storage protein that forms a hetero-oligomeric protein shell composed of ferritin heavy chain (FTH) and ferritin light chain (FTL) [2].…”

Influence of endurance and endurance–strength training on mineral status in women with abdominal obesity: a randomized trial

“…There have been a number of demonstrations of the bilateral dependence between iron (Fe) metabolism and obesity. It has been shown that serum ferritin concentration is positively correlated with BMI, [10] visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, hepatic fat content, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), [11] which makes ferritin an indirect marker of insulin resistance. Overweight and obesity are frequent causes of iron deficiency or, inversely, of iron overload.…”

Serum Vitamin D Components and Whole Blood Trace Elements Storage in Chinese Short Stature Children

“…Se has a wide range of pleiotropic effects including production of active thyroid hormone by incorporating into selenoproteins [34] . Fe acts as essential nutrient utilized in almost every aspect of cell function [35] , and interacts with other trace elements (Cu and Zn) [36] . Adequate dietary supply of Se and Fe is required for a healthy thyroid during development and adolescence [37] .…”