Does Short-Term Fasting Affect Iron Levels in the Human Body?
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-03-20
3 min. read
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Diets aimed at quickly and easily regulating our body weight are very popular, especially in the fight against overweight or obesity. However, quickness does not equate to good health. Research shows that up to 80% of young women engage in some form of weight loss at least once a year, including various types of diets or increased physical activity.
What's wrong with starvation?
Although fashion journals are writing about the benefits of short-term starvation, scientific papers rarely describe this phenomenon. Probably because of insufficient evidence for alleged positive health effects. On the contrary, there is evidence that starvation is harmful. Why? First of all because it causes deficiencies in iron and zinc micronutrients. These are trace elements whose reserves are small and in prolonged deficiency cause serious deficiencies, which lead to anemia. In addition to many harmful effects, starvation can also have a positive effect on health.
Iron and zinc: Essential trace elements and their irreplaceable roles in human physiology
Iron represents one of the foundational mineral components indispensable for the proper functioning of hematopoiesis, metabolic processes, and immune defense mechanisms within the human body. A persistent deficiency in this trace element primarily culminates in the development of iron-deficiency anemia, distinguished by diminished hemoglobin concentrations and a reduced erythrocyte count. The ramifications of such a deficit extend beyond various forms of anemia to encompass severe metabolic dysfunctions, compromised cardiac performance, and a marked suppression of immunological resilience. Clinical manifestations of iron deficiency frequently present as recurrent vertigo, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments (including difficulties with concentration and memory retention), anorexia, dermatological abnormalities (such as dryness, pallor, and roughness of the skin), and increased nail fragility. This discussion provides a comprehensive examination of iron’s role—spanning its biological functions, daily dietary requirements, and the potential consequences of prolonged insufficiency. Conversely, zinc, often referred to as the "element of life," plays a pivotal role in cellular growth processes, tissue repair mechanisms, and both reproductive and immune-system functions. Inadequate zinc intake may result in heightened susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammatory skin conditions (such as acne or eczema), and delayed wound healing. Discover why zinc is indispensable for maintaining homeostasis and how its optimal concentration influences overall human health
What were the precise methodological parameters and procedural details of the conducted clinical trial?
This investigative study enrolled forty-six female volunteers who underwent cyclic one- or two-day complete fasting periods every eight days over a span of forty-eight days. Throughout the entire duration, systematic biochemical assessments—with particular emphasis on selected trace elements in the blood—were conducted alongside meticulous documentation of psychological fluctuations among participants. The collected data revealed statistically significant reductions in ferritin and hemoglobin levels, indicative of an established iron deficiency state. Additionally, a subset of the study cohort exhibited heightened depressive symptomatology, including persistent low mood, lethargy, and impaired cognitive focus. These findings conclusively demonstrate that even short-term yet recurrent caloric restrictions—commonly adopted by young women during weight-loss regimens—may precipitate severe metabolic disruptions and adverse psychological outcomes. Of particular concern is the elevated risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, which, if left unaddressed, can culminate in compromised immune function, chronic fatigue, and potential cognitive deficits over time.
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