The Association between Excess Body Mass and Disturbances in Somatic Mineral Levels

Abstract

Background: Obesity and excess body weight are significant epidemiological issues, not only because they are costly to treat, but also because they are among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2016, an estimated 40% of the global population was overweight, reflecting the importance of the issue. Obesity is linked to metabolism malfunction and concomitantly with altered mineral levels in the body. In this paper, we review alterations in somatic levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, iodine, chromium, selenium, and zinc in relation to excess body mass. Methodology: An electronic literature search was performed using PubMed. Our search covered original English research articles published over the past five years, culminating in 63 papers included for study. Results: The reviewed papers presented correlation between obesity and hypomagnesemia and hypozincemia. They also indicated that patients with excess body mass present increased body copper levels. Studies have similarly indicated that obesity appears to be associated with lower selenium levels in both blood and urine, which may be correlated with the decline and weakening of defenses against oxidative stress. It has been found that decreased level of chromium is connected with metabolic syndrome. Chromium supplementation influences body mass, but the effect of the supplementation depends on the chemical form of the chromium. It is hypothesized that obesity poses a risk of iodine deficiency and iodine absorption may be disrupted by increased fat intake in obese women. A range of studies have suggested that obesity is correlated with iron deficiency. On the other hand, some reports have indicated that excess body mass may coexist with iron excess. The relation between obesity and body iron level requires further investigation. Calcium signaling seems to be disturbed in obesity, due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species and low level of fast troponin isoform responsible for mediating calcium sensitivity of muscle relaxation. Correlation between excess body mass and calcium levels needs further research. Conclusions: Excess body mass is associated with alterations in mineral levels in the body, in particular hypomagnesemia and decreased selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels. Chromium (Cr) deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome. Obese patients are at risk of iodine deficiency. Excess body mass is associated with elevated levels of copper (Cu). Data on the association between obesity and iron (Fe) levels are contradictory. Obesity coexists with disturbed calcium (Ca) signaling pathways. The association between obesity and body Ca levels has not been investigated in detail.

Association between central obesity indices and iron status indicators among Qatari adults

“…Different mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate the relationship between obesity and ID, including an iron-poor diet and an increased iron requirement due to an increase in blood volume, body fat and low-grade inflammation [ 59 ]. Recent studies reported that iron intake and its bioavailability were similar for obese and non-obese participants [ 44 , 60 , 61 ].…”

“…This study indicated an increase in ferritin with an increase in AF/GF and VS. A higher ferritin should reflect an adequate store to support haematopoiesis. Iron is stored in the body as ferritin, an acute-phase reactant, which increases during inflammation [ 59 , 63 ]. The higher ferritin concentration observed in participants with CO can be due to the chronic inflammation associated with obesity [ 26 ].…”

Consumption of Sinlek Rice Drink Improved Red Cell Indices in Anemic Elderly Subjects

“…For instance, pigs fed with a 450–600 mg ferrous sulfate-supplemented basal diet showed significant increases of BW, SI and TIBC values when compared with those fed with the basal diet, suggesting that the iron fortification should improve growth performance [ 19 ]. Some studies have reported that excess body mass or obesity was associated with iron excess [ 20 ]. Increased iron availability and iron fortification positively affect human growth, and increased growth in humans provided greater amounts of iron 18.…”

Role for Selenium in Metabolic Homeostasis and Human Reproduction

“…Therefore, a link between Se-thyroid and body weight can be established. For example, several observational studies have found an association between Se deficiency and obesity (defined by BMI and body fat percentage) due to impaired selenoprotein synthesis, metabolism, and hence thyroid hormone production; however, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood [ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ].…”