Importance of Iron –Essential Metal for our Body

Iron is an essential metal for our blood (erythropoiesis and a key component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, heme enzymes, metalloflavoprotein enzymes, and mitochondrial enzymes). In biological systems, iron mainly exists as the ferrous (2+) and ferric (3+) forms and is important

1.  in terms of iron deficiency,
2.  or toxicity

i)                  Due to accidental acute exposures,

ii)               Chronic iron overload (due to idiopathic hemochromatosis)

iii)            As a consequence of excess dietary iron

iv)            Due to frequent blood transfusions

                                                         

Iron metabolism is regulated by a complex series of events that maintain homeostasis,

i)                   mainly involving absorption,

ii)               storage,

iii)            and excretion.

Blood Iron comes mainly from meat, poultry, fish and other food sources such as green leafy vegetables.

For Non-heme iron, absorption is influenced by its solubility and by other dietary factors.

Essentiality and Deficiency

Do you know what is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficient anemia occurs when iron level of red blood cells (RBCs) is lower than normal. This type of anemia is the most common type of anemia, and it occurs when our body doesn’t have enough of the mineral iron. Anemia is a common condition and can occur in both men and women of any age and from any ethnic group. Some people may be at greater risk for iron deficiency anemia than others. Iron deficiency is worldwide.

These include:

i)                  infants,

ii)               young children,

iii)            and women of child-bearing age.

Critical period for iron deficiency

In children is between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.

 In addition to anemia: Other effects are impaired psychomotor development and intellectual performance,

Decreased resistance to infection,

In adults adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly increased susceptibility to lead and cadmium toxicity.

Causes for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Iron is present in the blood protein called hemoglobin. This protein carries oxygen to our body’s tissues, which is essential for our tissues and muscles to function effectively. If our body does not have enough iron in the blood, the rest of our body does not get enough amount of oxygen for its proper function.

There are many reasons that can cause iron deficiency leading to anemia. These include:

1.    Inadequate Iron Intake

Iron is essential during for growth and development, pregnant women and young children and need even more iron-rich foods in their diet. Eating too little iron over an extended amount of time can cause a shortage in your body.

2.    Blood Loss Due to Menstruation, pregnancy and childbearing age

In women of childbearing age, the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia are heavy menstrual bleeding and blood loss during childbirth.

3.    Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Examples include an ulcer in your stomach, polyps (tissue growths) in the colon or intestines, or colon cancer. Regular use of pain relievers, such as aspirin, can also cause bleeding in the stomach. 

4.    Inability to Absorb Iron

Certain disorders or surgical procedures that affect the intestines can also interfere with absorption of iron.

The symptoms of moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia include:

·         general fatigue

·         weakness

·         pale skin

·         shortness of breath

·         dizziness

·         strange cravings to eat items that aren’t food, such as dirt, ice, or clay

·         a tingling or crawling feeling in the legs

·         tongue swelling or soreness

·         cold hands and feet

·         fast or irregular heartbeat

·         brittle nails

·         headaches

How Is Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose anemia with blood tests.

                                                                                  to be continued