The association between loss of appetite and sense of olfaction in children with iron deficiency anemia

INTRODUCTION: IDA (iron deficiency anemia) is the most common type of anemia in pediatric patients and very little is known about the effect of IDA on the sense of smell and about the effects of smell on appetite. This study shows the effect of IDA on the sense of smell and about the effects of smell on appetite. MATERIALS and METHODS: The study enrolled 57 IDA patients and 57 healthy subjects. Olfactory function was evaluated using the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test. The evaluation was performed by using a semi-structured psychiatric interview using Sociodemographic Data Form, Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version and The Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with IDA had a significantly lower threshold, discrimination, and identification value, and a lower threshold compared with the control group. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between an increase in the total olfactory test score and the total score for appetite indicators. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was observed that decreased appetite in children with IDA was accompanied by impaired odor functions. It suggests that odor dysfunction may be a significiant factor for decreased appetite. © 2020, Galenos Yayincilik,. All rights reserved.