Abstract:
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of latent iron deficiency on students'
cognitive abilities. Material and methods. The study was conducted during 2018-2021 at the
Department of Hygiene and Medical Ecology of Odessa National Medical University. A
survey of 188 medical students aged 18-20 was conducted using a screening survey.
Estimation of the qualitative content of iron compounds in the diet was performed by a
calculation method using the USDA / FDA database. Persons with probable iron deficiency
were examined for hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit (general clinical blood test) and
serum ferritin. Additionally, the cognitive abilities of people with latent iron deficiency were
assessed using MoSA, TMT, GPB, Schulte tables and TAS-20. As a control, 30 students aged
18-20 years who showed no signs of latent or overt iron deficiency were interviewed.
Statistical processing was performed by methods of variance and correlation anamnesis using
the software Statistica 13.0 (TIBCO, USA). Results. When evaluating diets, probable iron
deficiency was identified in 69 (36.7%) students surveyed. A significant number of students
reported signs of iron deficiency, namely general weakness (27 or 14.4%), increased fatigue
(30 cases or 15.9%), pale skin and mucous membranes (6 or 3.2%), drowsiness (8 or 4.3%),
dry mouth (11 or 5.9%), brittle hair (4 or 2.1%), bleeding gums (3 or 1.6%). In isolated cases,
hyposmia, dysgeusia and dysphagia have occurred. Probable iron deficiency was found at the previous stage of the study in 29 (15.4%) patients, they subsequently underwent verifying
laboratory tests. In the analysis of the obtained data, the diagnosis of mild iron deficiency
anemia was confirmed in 2 (6.9%) girls. Latent iron deficiency was identified in 16 (55.2%)
students, among whom girls predominated (10 people or 62.5%). Subsequent studies have
shown that a significant number of students with latent iron deficiency showed moderate
signs of decreased cognition. Conclusions: 1. The frequency of latent iron deficiency in the
surveyed contingent was 8.5%, with an absolute predominance of girls (62.5%). 2. Latent iron
deficiency in student youth can be manifested by cognitive impairment, and therefore affect
academic performance. 3. The most pronounced correlation was found for ferritin content and
severity of alexithymia (r = -0.61).
