Do trace elements influence quality of life in postmenopausal women with iron deficiency?

Abstract

Objectives: Menopause is defined as the permanent termination of menstruation. In menopause, anemia may occur, and in addition various damages in the body due to free radicals may be seen. Antioxidant molecules are protective against these damages. In this study, we aimed to compare zinc. copper, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in postmenopausal women with and without iron deficiency anemia. Materials and methods: Postmenopausal women with iron deficiency anemia (group 1) (n = 30) and without anemia (group 2) (n = 30) were included in the study. Venous blood samples were obtained from the subjects after a fasting period of 12 hours. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, MDA, iron, copper, and zinc levels were measured. Data were evaluated using an independent sample t-test. Results: Copper and MDA levels were significantly higher in group I than in group 2; zinc, ferritin, iron. hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were lower. Conclusion: Nutritional habits have great importance in improving the quality of life in the postmenopausal period. Therefore, we think that MDA levels, which provide information about oxidative damage levels, and trace elements such as zinc, copper, and iron, should be monitored periodically in postmenopausal women.