Anorexia and Iron

Though poorly understood, iron does seem to be involved in appetite regulation, which could have implications for sufferers of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Dr. Blinder describes cases of iron deficiency in patients with pica, an illness in which people compulsively eat indigestible objects such as hair or matches. According to Blinder, research has linked low iron levels with decreased dopamine receptors in the brain "and consequent reduction of several CNS [central nervous system] dopamine driven behaviors." Dopamine is a chemical which helps transmit nerve impulses. Although anorexia nervosa is not pica, the research suggests that iron can influence dietary behavior.

Wholehealthmd.com stresses that you should only take iron supplements if your doctor says you need them, and after he or she performs the necessary blood tests. The site also stresses the need for regular follow-ups. According to wholehealthmd.com, excess iron increases the risk of colon cancer and heart disease. The site notes that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iron for women over age 50 is 10 mg. The RDA for women under 50 is 15 mg, and, for pregnant women, it's 30 mg. In addition, wholehealthmd.com says that, to prevent an overdose, non-anemics should make sure their multivitamins do not contain iron. The site also emphasizes that iron supplements should be kept away from young children. As few as five high-potency iron pills can kill them .

The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) notes that iron deficiency is associated with anorexia in infants and very young children. However, as Dr. Blinder points out, anorexia in babies and anorexia nervosa much later in life are very different. According to Blinder, anorexia in the very young tends to be a short-term condition related to anxiety in a particular developmental stage, while an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa is a long-term condition with deeply ingrained psychological patterns and consquent medical complications.

For information on iron supplementation for infants and young children, see the CPS Position Paper on this subject.

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