Assessing Serum Iron and Ferritin Levels in Relation to Smoking Status among Jordanian Adults

Authors

Lara M. Al-Natour, Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, JordanFollow
Ahmed Salem, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Fanar Alsmarat, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Lina Al-Zerikat, The Hashemite University, medical student, Zarqa, Jordan
Tasneem Al-Awaida, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Layth Al-Ramahi, The Hashemite University, medical student, Zarqa, Jordan
Yousef Shawawrah, The Hashemite University, medical student, Zarqa, Jordan
Mariam Al-Husari, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan

Abstract

Background: Balanced iron and ferritin levels are essential for many biological functions; unfortunately, smoking may disrupt these levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between smoking status with serum iron/ferritin levels among Jordanian adults.

Method: Participants were classified as active, passive, or non-smokers. Blood samples were analyzed to measure serum iron and ferritin levels. Statistical tests assessed differences in these levels among smoking groups.

Results: The study included 247 participants (25-64 years old). Active and passive smokers exhibited higher median iron/ferritin levels compared to non-smokers. But these differences were not statistically significant (iron: p=0.128, ferritin: p=0.841).  No significant correlation was found between smoking intensity and iron/ferritin levels. However, smoking duration was significantly associated with the proportion of participants with non-optimal iron (p=0.045) and ferritin levels (p=0.012). After adjusting for gender, smoking status alone did not independently explain differences in iron/ferritin levels.

Conclusion: No significant association was found between smoking status and serum iron/ferritin levels, although smokers had the highest median levels. This study provides some region-specific biochemical evidence linking smoking exposure with iron regulation among Jordanian adults.

Keywords: Iron, Ferritin, Active, Passive, Smokers, Non-Smokers, Jordan

Recommended Citation

Al-Natour L, Salem A, Alsmarat F, et al. Assessing Serum Iron and Ferritin Levels in Relation to Smoking Status among Jordanian Adults. J Health Res. 2026; 40(1):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1187

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