Ethnic Differences in Iron Absorption (FeGenes)

Conditions

Anemia, Iron Deficiency, Iron Overload

Keywords

Iron absorption, Genetics

Brief summary

This study aims to; 1) investigate population differences in iron absorption between East Asians and Northern Europeans; 2) assess population differences in hormonal and biochemical determinants of Fe absorption between East Asians and Northern Europeans; and 3) to investigate genetic contributions to Fe absorption, Fe status and Fe regulatory hormones between East Asians and Northern Europeans.

Detailed description

Detailed description: This study will utilize a multidisciplinary approach to identify genetic variation in genes that control iron utilization in order to shed light on the genetic basis of population differences in iron status and disease susceptibility with a long-term goal of informing population-specific dietary iron intake recommendations to minimize the risk of chronic diseases. To evaluate iron utilization, we will employ an in vivo, functional approach using an oral stable iron isotope method. Each participant will have genetic ancestry and genotyping evaluated using the Illumina Global Diversity Array-8. Study participants (n=504, aged 18-50 y) will consume 57Fe (as ferrous sulfate) in the fasted state and will then ingest a standardized breakfast and lunch meal. Two weeks after iron dosing, a blood sample will be collected from each participant and the amount of 57Fe incorporated into red blood cells will be measured using magnetic sector thermal ionization mass spectrometry. This project will fundamentally advance our understanding of ethnic differences in nutrient metabolism and iron status. It will also provide information to assist with the long-term goal of reducing the public health burden of Fe-related diseases.

Park CY, Barad A, Xu Y, Bender E, Thomas AK, Haller CM, Gu Z, Pressman EK, O'Brien KO.

2025-06-05

10.1007/s00394-025-03730-w

Characterization of iron status biomarkers and hematological indices among young adults of East Asian or Northern European ancestry: A cross-sectional analysis from the Iron Genes in East Asian and Northern European Adults Study (FeGenes).

Barad A, Xu Y, Bender E, Kang W, Xu R, Gu Z, Pressman EK, O'Brien KO.

2025-02-014 citations

10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.10.014

Iron regulatory hormones and their associations with iron status biomarkers among healthy adults of East Asian or Northern European ancestry: A cross-sectional comparison from the Iron Genes in East Asian and Northern European Adults Study (FeGenes).

Barad A, Xu Y, Bender E, Pressman EK, Gu Z, O'Brien KO.

2025-02-013 citations

10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.10.018

Differences in nonheme iron absorption between healthy adults of East Asian or Northern European ancestry from the Iron Genes in East Asian and Northern European Adults Study (FeGenes): A cross-sectional stable iron isotope study.

Barad A, Xu Y, Bender E, Pressman EK, Gu Z, O'Brien KO.

2025-02-012 citations

10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.11.015

Interventions

None listed

Study design

Observational model

CASE_ONLY

Time perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 50 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy adults * Age between 18- 50y * Non-smoking * Not taking vitamin or mineral supplements. * Females: premenopausal and not pregnant or lactating * No preexisting medical complications (such as eating disorders, hemoglobinopathies, malabsorption diseases, steroid use, substance abuse history, or taking medications known to influence iron homeostasis) * Body mass index (BMI) between 18 - 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion criteria

* BMI \<18 or \> 30 kg/m2, * Age \<18 y or \> 50y, * Not of Northern European or East Asian ancestry * Smoking * Pregnancy, lactating * Have gastrointestinal disorders/malabsorption diseases/hemoglobinopathies/dietary restrictions/steroid use/ medication use of medications known to impact iron status, iron utilization or inflammatory status * Take vitamin and mineral supplementations

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
The percent of non-heme iron absorption	2-week	The percent of non-heme iron absorption will be determined by red blood cell iron incorporation of stable 57Fe
The concentrations of iron and micronutrient status indicators	baseline and two-weeks post dosing	The concentrations or serum folate, B12, hemoglobin, hematocrit, transferrin receptor, hepcidin, erythropoietin, erythroferrone, ferritin, interleukin-6, and c-reactive protein
Genetic ancestry and characterization of iron-related genotypes	baseline	The DNA will be extracted from whole blood samples and each participant will have genetic ancestry and genotyping evaluated using the Illumina Global Diversity Array-8.
Habitual dietary information	baseline	Habitual dietary information will be obtained from Diet History Questionnaire III .
Dietary information on the study day	baseline	Detailed dietary information about all foods and beverages consumed on the study day will be obtained from the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool.

Countries

United States

Outcome results