The following paragraphs discuss the most well-known iron deficiency symptoms, the most significant causes of iron deficiency, the importance of iron to the body, and the importance of iron during pregnancy. Because the symptoms of iron deficiency are so similar to those of many common disorders, no one can be certain of their iron deficiency without blood tests.
The importance of iron
Iron is a vital mineral for maintaining normal hemoglobin function, a protein essential for the transport of oxygen in the blood, and its deficiency causes a range of serious health disorders, including iron deficiency anemia. Iron also plays a role in a variety of other important processes in the body, including: [1 ]
- Maintaining a healthy pregnancy: blood volume and red blood cell production increase very much during pregnancy; To provide the fetus with oxygen and nutrients, the body needs more iron.
- Energy conservation: a lack of iron in the diet affects the energy efficiency of the body; Because iron transports oxygen to the brain and muscles, low iron levels can cause decreased concentration, increased irritability, and decreased stamina.
- Enhance athletic performance: Iron deficiency impairs athletic performance, and immune system activity, and reduces the body's ability to transport oxygen to muscles.
The cause of the iron deficiency
Among the common causes of iron deficiency in adults, are the following: [2]
- Limited diet: not getting enough iron in the diet, especially iron found in plant foods; Because the body absorbs it faster.
- Bleeding: Iron deficiency easily occurs in cases of chronic blood loss, due to heavy menstrual cycles, regular blood donation, and many other reasons.
- Increased need for iron: During pregnancy or breastfeeding, the body needs more iron.
- Exercise: strenuous exercise increases the production of red blood cells (which need iron), in turn, the body loses iron with sweat; Thus iron deficiency occurs.
- Iron absorption problem: Healthy adults absorb about 10 to 15% of dietary iron, but some people's bodies are unable to absorb or use iron from food.
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Many people with iron deficiency anemia have only a few symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms depends a lot on how quickly the anemia develops. Symptoms may appear gradually if the anemia is caused by a long-term problem, such as a stomach ulcer. Symptoms may appear immediately, and symptoms of Iron deficiency are most common: [3]
- Fatigue and lack of energy (lethargy).
- hard breathing.
- Heart palpitations.
- the pallor of the skin;
Less common symptoms include:
- headache _
- Tinnitus.
- Altered sense of taste.
- itching;
- Tongue pain or abnormal smoothness.
- hair loss;
- Cravings for non-food items, such as ice, paper, or clay.
- difficulty swallowing _
- Painful open sores in the corners of the mouth.
- spoon-shaped nails.
Symptoms of iron deficiency in pregnant women
Symptoms of iron deficiency may not be obvious during pregnancy unless it causes severe anemia, and these symptoms include: [4]
Paleness of the skin, lips, nails, palms of the hands, or lower eyelids.
feeling tired
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Breathing difficulty.
Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
difficulty concentrating
These symptoms may be due to another medical condition; Therefore, the condition must be accurately diagnosed, to know how to treat it.
The effect of iron deficiency on the fetus
Iron deficiency anemia in the mother during pregnancy is associated with many serious complications in the fetus, including [5]
- High risk of preterm birth.
- Increased risk of suffocation during childbirth.
- Increased risk of low birth weight.
- Preterm infants may suffer more complications, such as dwarfism.
- Increased risk of infant death at birth, or during the first year.
Iron deficiency treatment tips
Iron deficiency treatment depends on the current iron status and the cause of its deficiency, namely: [2]
- Iron depletion: Treatment requires the inclusion of iron-rich foods in the diet.
- Iron deficiency: Treatment is by eating iron-rich foods, and limiting foods and drinks that interfere with iron absorption, such as bran and coffee.
- Iron deficiency anemia: The doctor will prescribe iron supplements, and the body needs from six months to a year to replenish its iron stores.
prevent iron deficiency
The amount of iron absorbed by the body is affected by many things, including:
- Whole grains, fish, poultry, and meat are good sources of dietary iron.
- The liver is a particularly rich source of iron, but life should be avoided during pregnancy. Because it contains a high percentage of vitamin A.
- Choose iron-fortified breakfast cereals and bread.
- When following a vegan diet, vegetarian iron sources should not be left out daily, which are: dark green leafy vegetables, raisins, nuts, prunes, and dried apricots.
- Vitamin C increases iron absorption; So you should eat more brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
- Reducing the amount of tea and coffee, especially at meal times; Because tea and coffee interfere with iron absorption, due to tannins.
The difference between iron and iron stores
The iron store is a protein (ferritin), a storage protein that can store 4000 iron atoms. The amount of ferritin in the blood reflects the total amount of iron available to the body for future use. Ferritin releases iron as required by the body; To perform many functions, such as producing new red blood cells.
Symptoms of iron deficiency (ferritin) include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headache. Symptoms of high iron levels include fatigue, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, joint pain, and general weakness. Iron stores levels can be checked by blood tests. [6]
The most common symptoms of iron deficiency are fatigue and general weakness in the body, and iron should be obtained daily, but if the body does not get it daily, the body can consume it from iron stores. From liver or spinach, and many other sources.
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