Khaberni - A study by scientists from Columbia University revealed a hidden danger caused by iron deficiency in the body.
According to The Journal of Immunology, the study results showed that following a diet poor in iron could impair the immune cells' ability to fight respiratory infections, and that this effect persists even after iron levels are returned to normal in the body.
During the study, the scientists fed lab mice an iron-deficient diet, then exposed the mice to the influenza virus. It was found that the T-cells in the lungs of the test animals formed normal-looking memory cells, but failed to produce interferon-gamma, a key anti-viral signal. More importantly, this functional impairment of the immune cells continued even after reintroducing iron into the mice's diet.
The researchers also observed that the immune cells in the lung tissue of the mice lost their ability to respond to the virus when the animals were deprived of iron, while other parts of the immune system continued to function normally. This may explain why iron deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to respiratory viruses and a higher risk of developing asthma.
The authors of the study affirm that anemia caused by iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders worldwide, particularly among women and children. The results of their study could help understand its impact on the lung's T-cells, to develop new dietary and medical strategies to boost immunity and prevent viral diseases.
