Investigating the relationship between iron deficiency and depressive symptoms in relation to the body compositions of students residing in the Western Cape

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the consequence of a prolonged diminished iron balance, whereby iron stores are no longer sufficient to meet the requirements of regular iron turnover. It is the most ubiquitous single nutrient deficiency, accounting for most cases of anaemia globally. Iron deficiency has been associated with cognitive impairments, including attention span, intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. Subsequently, the association between iron deficiency and depression was investigated.