Iron is a mineral essential for life. It plays a key role in the creation of red blood cells. If the body lacks iron, then anemia, a low level of red blood cells, may develop. Red blood cells are the transport system that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body. When a person has anemia, the body lacks these cells.

Remember that everyone needs iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen. A person can get iron from food and supplements. So, we have collected materials about the effect of iron on the body, in what products it is contained and everything related to this topic. We share useful information with you.

Who needs iron the most

Iron supplements are most commonly used for certain types of anemia. This disease can cause fatigue and other symptoms. Iron is often prescribed for the treatment of anemia caused by: pregnancy, kidney disease, heavy menstrual periods, chemotherapy. There is a certain group of people who are at risk of iron deficiency:

 

• premature babies
• young children
• teenage girls
• pregnant women
• people with certain medical conditions, including chronic heart failure, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Iron supplements are most often recommended for women who are pregnant or of reproductive age to prevent anemia. In any case, before buying iron supplements, you need to consult a therapist.

Signs of anemia and iron deficiency in the body

Mild iron deficiency anemia is often not noticeable. As it becomes more severe, you may have symptoms like this:

 

• fatigue or weakness
• pale or yellow skin
• confused breathing
• vertigo
• Headaches
• fast heartbeat
• chest pain
• cold feet and hands
• brittle, cracked nails and hair loss
• craving things that are not food, such as dirt, starch, clay or ice
• sore and swollen tongue
• restless legs syndrome (desire to move legs in bed)

Since these signs can also be symptoms of other conditions and illnesses, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

How iron deficiency is diagnosed

Your doctor will perform one or more blood tests to see if you have iron deficiency anemia. These can be such tests:

 

• A complete blood test – checks how many red blood cells you have.
• Peripheral blood smear – shows the size and shape of your red blood cells. With iron deficiency anemia, red blood cells are smaller than usual.
• Hematocrit – this test shows how many red blood cells are in the blood.
• Hemoglobin. This test shows the amount of this protein in the blood. If you have anemia, then hemoglobin will be low.
• A test to determine the amount of iron in your blood.
• Ferritin – shows how much iron is stored in the body by measuring this protein.

If blood tests show you have iron deficiency anemia, you may need other tests, similar, to understand what is causing it. The following procedures can be performed:

• Endoscopy. The doctor uses a tube with a camera at one end to look inside the esophagus or colon. Endoscopy can detect bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract from ulcers, polyps, or other neoplasms.
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs or biopsy of the uterus.
• Blood test in the stool. This test looks for a small amount of blood in your stool to check for cancer and other causes of bleeding in your intestines.

What can be the treatment of iron deficiency

To treat iron deficiency anemia, you will take iron supplements. Most people drink 150 to 200 mg every day. Your doctor will recommend a dose based on your iron levels. Also, most likely, you will have to take vitamin C. This helps the body absorb iron. You may have to drink iron supplements for a few months or more to bring your levels back to normal.

 

If your gut doesn't absorb iron well, you may be prescribed to inject iron directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous tube. Remember that the symptoms of iron deficiency should disappear in about a week. The doctor will check the blood to see if the anemia has improved. If supplements and a balanced diet filled with iron don't help with your symptoms or you have severe anemia, then red blood cell transfusions may be needed.

Daily iron rate for different age categories

If you are not in any of the above groups, you should still get iron every day from your diet or supplements. So, below is a table with the daily rate of iron for different gender and age categories:

 

Vegetarians and vegans may consume more iron. Remember that in large doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children aged 14 years and older, the highest dose that can be safely taken is 45 mg per day. Children under 14 years of age should not take more than 40 mg per day.

The negative side of iron consumption

Side effects. Taken in normal doses, iron supplements can cause upset stomach, stool changes, and constipation.

 

Risks. Do not start taking iron supplements without a doctor's prescription. This is especially important if you have a chronic illness. Women who are planning to become pregnant should also consult a gynecologist before starting daily iron supplements.

Interaction. Iron can interact with many different drugs and supplements. These include antacids and inhibitors, some antibiotics, calcium. Make sure your doctor is aware of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking if he suggests drinking iron supplements.

Overdose. This often occurs in children, manifests itself as poisoning. Signs of iron overdose include severe vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, pale or bluish skin and nails, and weakness. Treat these signs as a medical emergency.

Getting iron from food

You can also get iron from your diet by eating more of these foods:

 

• Beef, pork, liver, chicken, turkey, duck and shellfish.
• Leafy greens such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, turnip greens and cabbage greens
• Peas, legumes.
• Iron-enriched cereals and other cereals.
• Dried fruits such as prunes and raisins.

Iron from animal sources is better absorbed by the body. However, you can help it absorb plant-based iron by eating fruits or vegetables high in vitamin C, such as red peppers, kiwi, oranges.

How Your Body Gets Iron from Food

When you eat iron-containing foods, iron is absorbed mainly through the upper part of the small intestine. There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron comes from hemoglobin. It is found in animal products that originally contained hemoglobin, such as red meat, fish, and poultry (meat, poultry, and seafood contain both heme and non-heme iron). The body absorbs the most iron from heme sources. Most of the non-heme iron is plant sources.

Foods rich in iron

Hem sources

 

• Very good sources of heme iron, 3.5 mg or more per serving, include: 100 g of beef or chicken liver, shellfish, mussels, oysters.
• Good sources of heme iron, with 2.1 mg or more per serving, include: 100 g of boiled beef, canned sardines.
• Other sources of hem iron, with 0.6 mg or more per serving, include: 100 g of chicken, boiled turkey, ham, veal.
  Other sources of hem iron, with 0.3 mg or more per serving, include: 100 g of halibut, haddock, perch, salmon or tuna.

Non-heme sources

 

Very good sources of non-heme iron, 3.5 mg or more per serving, include:

• breakfast cereals enriched with iron
• one cup of boiled beans
• half a cup of tofu

Good sources of non-heme iron, with 2.1 mg or more per serving, include:

• half a cup o