Relationship Between Obesity and Iron Deficiency Among Children: A Scoping Review

Main Article Content

Chong Shao Hui
Loh Su Peng

Abstract

Obesity, the fifth leading cause of global mortality, is a low-grade inflammatory chronic illness that linked to conditions such as iron deficiency (ID). A higher prevalence of ID may be found in children with obesity. This review aimed to examine the relationship between obesity and ID in children. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. From 2057 articles identified, 11 relevant studies were included. Findings indicate that children with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) are at increased risk for ID. Elevated serum ferritin and hepcidin levels were noted in obese children due to inflammatory responses. A higher prevalence of iron deficiency was found in children with obesity, and overweight and obese children were at higher risk of iron deficient as compared to normal weight and underweight children. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting obesity and ID.

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How to Cite
Chong Shao Hui, & Loh Su Peng. (2025). Relationship Between Obesity and Iron Deficiency Among Children: A Scoping Review. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21(5), 337–344. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.5.37
Section
Review Article

References

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