The effects of iron deficiency on selenium and glutathione peroxidase status in college-age wome

Iron deficiency anemia has been shown to alter concentrations of other minerals in the body, as well as concentrations of a number of iron-containing and non-iron-containing enzymes. However, these effects have been less studied in nonanemic iron deficient individuals. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of iron deficiency (ID) without anemia on serum selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentrations in college-age females. Fifteen women, mean age 21.7 +/- 2.1 yr, height 162.7 +/- 6.1 cm, and weight 57.7 +/- 7.2 kg, with ID without anemia comprised the experimental group and twelve healthy females, age 23.2 +/- 2.0 yr, height 163.4 +/- 6.2 cm, and weight 60.0 +/- 12.3 kg, served as controls. Blood samples were drawn at baseline, in both groups, and following five weeks of iron supplementation (160 mg ferrous sulfate/day providing 50 mg elemental iron) in subjects with ID. Blood was analyzed for hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, transferrin receptor (TfR), Se, and GPx concentrations.;Mean Hct and Hb concentrations of the ID group (39 +/- 2% and 134 +/- 9 g/L, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group (43 +/- 3% and 144 +/- 11 g/L, respectively). Mean serum ferritin concentration of the ID group (10.7 +/- 5.5 ug/L) was significantly lower than that of the controls (37.8 +/- 14.6 ug/L). Difference in serum TfR concentration between the ID group (6.1 +/- 1.6 mg/L) and control group (5.1 +/- 1.2 mg/L) was not significant. Serum Se concentration of the ID group (115.9 +/- 18.6 ug/L) was not significantly different from that of the controls (111.6 +/- 22.4 ug/L). Serum GPx concentration did not significantly differ between the ID (41.4 +/- 14.9 ug/L) and the control groups (37.1 +/- 13.7 ug/L). Iron supplementation resulted in significant increases in mean Hct and serum ferritin concentrations in the post ID group compared to the pre ID group. Both mean serum transferrin receptor concentration and serum transferrin receptor:serum ferritin ratio in the post ID group were significantly decreased compared to the pre ID group. Finally, serum Se and GPx concentrations did not differ significantly between the pre and post ID groups. Results of this study indicated that ID without anemia did not adversely affect selenium or GPx status. Further research is necessary to determine whether other minerals and enzymes may be affected.