Research on iron and disease
The overall longer-range goals of this research will be to define the role of iron excess in human disease and to devise safe and effective ways of restoring and preserving optimal iron nutrition.
Examples of future studies:
- Extensive demographic, biological and quality of life data developed in the randomized clinical trial of iron reduction must be fully analyzed to explore possible clues to disease risk and additional possible effects of iron reduction.
- The relationship of body iron stores to disease risk and mortality must be tested further in properly designed clinical trials.
- Basic science initiatives linked to clinical outcomes should clarify mechanisms.
- Experience obtained in the randomized clinical trial of iron reduction will be invaluable for guiding hypothesis generation and testing on both clinical and basic levels.
Research Opportunities
- Defining interventional methodology: Iron levels are controllable experimentally by limiting dietary intake or by active reduction using phlebotomy or iron chelating drugs. The optimal application and relative efficacy of these are undefined. For example, an iron chelator may be preferable to phlebotomy for studies in anemic patients, when blinding (placebo control) is required or when it is not feasible or practical to perform phlebotomy. For example, it is likely that many patients may prefer drug treatment to phlebotomy that requires travel to a facility, venapuncture and staff involvement.
- Development of new technology: Methods for measuring oxidative stress and iron levels must be developed that are non-invasive, low cost and freely accessible by the general population to identify individuals at risk and to monitor intervention. For example, oxidized lipids can be detected in exhaled breath.
- Need for professional and patient education: Education is needed on diagnosis of iron deficiency and excess, and proper treatment of either. Many individuals are unaware of their iron status, and ingest iron – supplemented foods and iron – containing vitamins inappropriately.
