Association between serum phosphate and iron concentrations with body mass index in a population of adults in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) with serum iron and phosphate levels. Materials and Methods: Five hundred adults aged 18–65 years in Orlu, Imo State, participated in the study. BMI was determined from the participants' height and body weight. Serum iron and phosphorus levels were measured after 8–12 h fast. Results: The mean serum iron level for individuals with overweight, moderate obesity, and severe obesity was 64.21 ± 4.81, 59.11 ± 3.17, and 54.73 ± 3.44, respectively, for males and 52.86 ± 4.16, 44.77 ± 4.87, and 39.62 ± 5.11, respectively, for females as compared to 72.58 ± 5.43 and 61.19 ± 3.48 for males and females with normal BMI, respectively. Further, the mean serum phosphate level for individuals with overweight, moderate obesity, and severe obesity was 2.71 ± 1.82, 2.55 ± 1.17, and 2.51 ± 1.46, respectively, for males and 2.52 ± 1.87, 2.51 ± 1.67, and 2.48 ± 2.16, respectively, for females as compared to 3.72 ± 2.41 and 3.28 ± 2.11 for males and females with normal BMI, respectively. The serum iron and phosphate levels of obese individuals were significantly lower than in their counterparts with normal BMI (P < 0.05). The prevalence of overweight and obesity for males and females was 36.33%, 35.97% and 36.93%, 33.78%, respectively. Conclusion: BMI inversely correlated with serum iron and phosphate levels. Regular assessment of nutritional status of the obese and intake of high iron and phosphate foods should be encouraged with a view to preventing iron and phosphate deficiency diseases.