It has been suggested that low serum levels of iron results in hypocarnitinemia impairing carnitine biosynthesis, and this effect increases serum triglyceride levels by shifting the fatty acid metabolism to glyceride synthesis. Aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of iron deficiency anemia on serum levels of carnitine and lipids, and to determine the changes in cardiovasculary risk indexes by comparing lipid profiles of anemic and nonanemic children. Ninety-one children with iron deficiency anemia (Group I) and 21 healthy children (Group II) constituted the study groups. In all cases serum levels of total, free and acyl carnitine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein were measured. Serum total and free carnitine levels were significantly lower (p<0.01) and serum levels of total triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein were significantly higher (p<0.01) in cases with iron deficiency anemia when compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to cardiovasculary risk indices. In conclusion, iron deficiency is a significant risk factor for the development of hyperlipidemia, however, hyperlipidemia developing by this way does not lead to a significant increase in cardiovasculary risk indices.
Keywords: Anemia, iron deficiency anemia, carnitine, serum lipids, serum cholesterol
