Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT1998

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly among adolescents due to increased iron requirements during periods of rapid growth and physiological changes. Adolescence is a critical period marked by pubertal development, hormonal changes, and the pubertal growth spurt, all of which may be adversely affected by chronic IDA.

Objective: To examine the impact of chronic IDA on pubertal hormones, pubertal timing, and the pubertal growth spurt, drawing on research findings from 2000 to 2024.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify studies focusing on the relationship between chronic IDA and pubertal hormones and growth. Data from over 20 studies were synthesized into a structured table, including author, year, patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.

Results: 1. Hormonal Impact: Chronic IDA suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, leading to reduced levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This results in lower estradiol in females and testosterone in males, delaying pubertal progression (Beard et al., The Journal of Nutrition, 2000).

2. Timing of Puberty: Adolescents with chronic IDA experienced delayed onset of puberty compared to peers with normal iron levels. Female adolescents were particularly affected due to menstrual blood loss (Iron Deficiency in Adolescence, The Journal of Pediatrics, 2017).

3. Pubertal Growth Spurt: IDA was associated with reduced growth velocity and impaired attainment of peak height during the pubertal growth spurt. This was attributed to diminished oxygen transport capacity and decreased energy metabolism, critical for growth processes (Santos et al., Journal of Human Growth and Development, 2012).

4. Intervention Outcomes: Iron supplementation was effective in restoring hormonal balance, improving growth velocity, and normalizing the timing of puberty. Early detection and treatment were emphasized for optimal outcomes (Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024).

Conclusion: Chronic IDA during adolescence has profound implications for pubertal development, including disruptions in LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone levels, leading to delayed puberty and reduced growth velocity. Addressing IDA through early diagnosis and effective intervention is crucial to ensure normal growth and development during this critical period. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of IDA on reproductive and overall health.