Serum ferritin level is associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: The 2007–2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundIncreased ferritin concentrations, which reflect body iron stores, contribute to insulin dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MetS).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 7346 subjects (3229 men and 4117 women) who participated in the 2007–2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We adopted the modified Asian criteria for MetS from the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.ResultsIn comparison with participants in the first serum ferritin quartile, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for MetS for participants in the fourth serum ferritin quartile was 1.67 (1.24–2.23) in men and 1.41 (1.06-1.88) in women after adjusting for multiple covariates (including menopausal status in women) except insulin resistance. This association was attenuated, however, after additionally adjusting for insulin resistance [1.46 (1.08–1.98) in men and 1.22 (0.91–1.65) in women]. In particular, higher serum ferritin concentrations were associated with increased triglyceride concentrations in men and glucose intolerance in women.ConclusionsIncreased serum ferritin level was positively associated with the prevalence of MetS and with some diagnostic components of MetS, i.e., we found that increased serum ferritin concentrations were associated with high triglyceride and glucose concentrations in men and women, respectively.

► Serum ferritin reflects body iron stores which can act as an oxidative stress.
► We investigated the relationship between serum ferritin level and metabolic syndrome.
► Elevated serum ferritin level was positively associated with metabolic syndrome risk.
► Higher serum ferritin level was related to higher glucose and triglycerides.