Prevalence of signs and symptoms among iron deficient college-age individuals and its use as a predictor of iron deficiency

Abstract

Non-anemic iron deficiency (NA-ID)--a condition in which hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels are normal, but the iron stores reflected by serum ferritin (sFer), are depleted--is a stage of iron deficiency that is currently not widely accepted. The objectives of this study were to explore variables that might assist with predicting NA-ID. Participants (n = 100; 65 females, 35 males) were recruited via posted flyers and were asked to complete a series of questionnaires, and a 24-hour food record. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), ear temperature, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, Hct, Hgb, and sFer were measured. There were 45 anemic (31 females, 14 males) and 55 non-anemic (34 females, 21 males) participants. Low sFer was observed in 17 (26%) of female participants, of which 10 were anemic, and one male participant. sFer was not correlated with Hgb and Hct. The presence of two or more out of seven signs and symptoms (constipation, can't lose weight with exercise, cold when others are not, restless legs syndrome (RLS), systolic BP < 105 mmHg, depressed/sad, and sweet tooth) predicted iron deficiency (sFer < 20 ng/mL) with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 53%. Based on this evaluation, the group of symptoms can be used as a screening tool for blood tests beyond the basic Hgb and Hct test to assess iron status.