The Relationship of Metabolic Effects in Obese Adolescents with Serum Hepcidin Levels and Iron Metabolism

INTRODUCTION Iron deficiency (ID) and subsequently developing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are among the important health issues globally associated with nutrition [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies children, adolescents, and pregnant women as the most vulnerable groups for ID and IDA. The first peak for IDA is observed during infancy and the preschool period, while the second peak occurs in the adolescent age group [2]. Obesity, another significant health issue related to nutrition, has been referred to as the 'pandemic of the era' in recent years. The increase in the prevalence of obesity has also highlighted clinical conditions that develop as a result of obesity [3,4]. In a study conducted by Wenzel and colleagues, it was observed for the first time that iron deficiency is more frequent in obese adolescents compared to their non-obese peers [5]. This finding has brought about the necessity to investigate the association between obesity and iron deficiency. Studies have shown that a polypeptide named 'Hepcidin,' which is elevated due to subclinical inflammation observed in obesity, also contributes to susceptibility to iron deficiency [6].