Effects of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) supplements on selective enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is not only associated with iron deficiency but has shown strong association with the over production of free radicles and deficiency of antioxidant enzymes. The result of this imbalance is oxidative stress (OS) which is now considered as an important associated factor with various diseases. Treating IDA in most of cases with oral iron supplements results in more OS as iron is a transition metal. A more suitable alternate for iron supplementation is Beta vulgaris supplement, which being herbal in origin is far less associated with side effects. We studied effects of beta vulgaris supplements on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in IDA patients. A significant increase in all study parameters were observed after treatment (p <0.05). When pre-supplemental values of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH-PX) of IDA were compared with post-supplemental values, they were significantly low (p <0.05). A positive correlation was noted between the two antioxidants and hemoglobin (Hb) values suggesting a direct relationship between antioxidant status and Hb levels. Non enzymatic antioxidants included vitamin A,C and E. We also found a significant improvement (p <0.05) of these vitamins when compared with their initial values and the control group. Our study shows improvement of antioxidant status of anemic patients with 12 week supplementation of Beta vulgaris.

Oxidative stress associated with altered activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes with IDA during pregnancy.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy, although associated with disturbances of hematological parameters, is now also considered as a source of oxidative stress (OS). Present study aims to detect any alteration in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes activity in pregnant women with IDA. Levels of GSH-Px and SOD were measured in 156 anemic, pregnant women and compared with similar levels in 20 non anemic, pregnant women. Activity of SOD was found to be reduced in the anemic group when compared with the control group. We found a non- significant increase in GSH-Px activities in the anemic group. These findings could be explained in terms of OS under hypoxic condition which preserves the activity of GSH-Px with a decrease activity of SOD. A positive association was seen between IDA during pregnancy and OS with results suggesting that, apart from the deficiency of iron, some other factors are also associated for the increased OS seen during pregnancy.

Decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase with oral ferrous iron administration: A cause of oxidative stress.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy not only results in the disturbance of hematological parameters but has been found to be an additional cause of oxidative stress (OS). Moreover, oral iron for IDA during pregnancy has been found to worsen the condition. Present study aims to detect any alteration in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity as an enzymatic anti-oxidant and its association with oral iron supplements. For study, 40 anemic pregnant women were prescribed with 200mg ferrous sulphate for 12 weeks (wks). A significant improvement in hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin concentration (SFC) was seen after treatment (p<0.05). In contrast to the values for hematological parameters, GSH-PX was found to be same for control and anemic groups before iron supplements (p>0.05). A significant decrease in GSH-PX levels of anemic women was seen after iron therapy when compared with both the initial values and the control group (p<0.05). We found a positive association between oral iron administration and OS. Our results showed a strong association between oral iron supplements and SFC which supports the iron overload theory. It is therefore concluded that OS is associated with oral iron supplements during pregnancy.

Correction of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy and its effects on superoxide dismutase.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects not only the hematological parameters but also disturb the oxidative balance of body. In pregnancy, this is much more considerable as oxidative stress is considered to be one of the physiological changes during this period. This study aims to observe the effect of daily iron supplement on oxidative stress in pregnancy. In this study, 30 pregnant women with IDA were treated with daily oral iron supplements for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, serum ferritin concentration (SFC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured and compared with pre-supplement levels. A significant increase in all the parameters was observed after treatment (p<0.05). When post supplemental values of SFC and SOD were compared with control group comprising of 10 non anemic pregnant women, they were significantly low (p<0.05). Our results indicate that oxidative stress in pregnancy associated with IDA decreases with daily iron supplements but fail to reach normal pregnant levels. This supports iron over load theory in daily iron supplements and suggests that oxidative stress increases if pregnancy is associated with iron deficiency.