Anemia and Inflammation

Interactive Effects of Iron Status and Inflammation on Serum Hepcidin and Erythrocyte Iron Incorporation in Young Women

During inflammation hepcidin concentrations are increased, leading to a decrease in iron absorption. In iron deficiency anemia hepcidin is suppressed due to the activation of erythropoiesis. Whether inflammation or anemia has the stronger effect on hepcidin is uncertain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI <27.5kg/m2
• body weight <70kg
• either non-anemic (Hb>12.5g/dl) or anemic (Hb between 8-12 g/dl and ferritin <15ng/ml)

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant or lactating
• chronic disease
• smoking
• inflammation defined as CRP<5mg/L; AGP<1g/L