Clin Pediatr Hematol Oncol.  2007 Apr;14(1):43-52.

The Relationship between Iron and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Blood among Students at a Middle School in Incheon

• Shim HS
• Kim HC
• Park HR
• Kim MH
• Kwun KS
• Kwon YS
• Leem JH
• Kim SK

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was aimed to assess the serum iron status and the heavy metals, and to describe the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and heavy metal concentration.
METHODS
Hematologic examination of heavy metals including lead, zinc, cadmium, copper as well as iron status was done for 300 apparently healthy male, female students at a Middle school in Incheon aged 13 to 14 years. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin <10microgram/dL. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as anemia with serum ferritin <10microgram/dL and/or transferrin saturation <16%.
RESULTS
1. The whole heavy metal concentrations were within the safety level. Low serum iron tends to lead to a rise in blood concentration of heavy metals, including lead. 2. In the male overweight group, copper and lead increased more than the male non-overweight group. In the female overweight group, copper increased more than the female non-overweight group. In the total overweight group, copper increased more than the non-overweight group.
CONCLUSION
Like lead and copper, some serum heavy metals have a negative correlation with iron. Thus, an effort to minimize exposure to heavy metals is needed, while making sure that those who require an increased amount of iron, such as children and adolescents, are not depleted of their iron supplies.

Keyword

Lead; Iron; Heavy metal concentration; Overweight; Body mass index

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anemia
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
Body Mass Index
Cadmium
Child
Copper
Equipment and Supplies
Female
Ferritins
Humans
Incheon*
Iron*
Male
Metals, Heavy
Overweight
Transferrin
Zinc
Cadmium
Copper
Ferritins
Iron
Metals, Heavy
Transferrin
Zinc