Symptom panorama in upper secondary school students and symptoms related to iron deficiency. Screening with laboratory tests, questionnaire and interventional treatment with iron.

OBJECTIVE

To study symptom panorama in students, to identify undiagnosed iron deficiency, and to evaluate any changes in symptoms and laboratory test results after treatment with iron supplementation.

DESIGN

Descriptive and prospective, interventional study.

SETTING

Healthcare in upper secondary school.

INTERVENTION: Treatment with iron supplementation for a period of 3 months.

SUBJECTS: Students in the first grade of one upper secondary school.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of iron deficiency related to symptoms measured by a questionnaire (30 questions) on symptoms related to quality of life and 9 questions about diet and exercise.

RESULTS

Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 12% of the students (two or more abnormal laboratory tests) and in 61% of the students one or more laboratory tests were abnormal. Symptoms of vertigo/ dizziness were significantly more common in students with iron deficiency. After iron supplementation there was a significant increase in s-ferritin levels and a decrease in s-transferrin levels, with an accompanying significant reduction of the symptom scores of vertigo/dizziness, irritability, depressive symptoms, and indisposition.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of vertigo/dizziness were significantly more common in students with iron deficiency. Iron supplementation reduced the symptoms of vertigo/dizziness, irritability, depressive symptoms, and indisposition.