Why is iron important to the body?
Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormone.
Iron plays a central role in many biochemical processes in the body. These include oxygen transport and storage, assisting with immunity and contributing to enzyme systems.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. Iron deficiency progresses through phases, ultimately resulting in IDA:
The phases of iron deficiency are as follows:
Storage of iron in the body is depleted, resulting in low serum ferritin levels.
The iron supply available for erythrocyte production is low, but blood hemoglobin levels are still normal,
Iron stores are depleted, resulting in anemia with small RBCs and low blood hemoglobin levels.
What Causes Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency results from either excessive losses of iron or too little iron in the diet.
Losses may occur through blood loss, reduced absorption, or prolonged exercise (e.g., athletes who compete in marathon running or cycling endurance events). For example, people who menstruate are at a greater risk of iron deficiency and IDA due to blood loss. And iron deficiency is often more prevalent during pregnancy due to the increased demands of a growing fetus.
People with conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or a history of surgeries on the GI tract are at risk of IDA. For example, those with Crohn's disease or who had a gastric bypass (a type of weight-loss surgery) for obesity may be more likely to be iron deficient. This is because they may not be able to absorb adequate amounts of iron. Iron is absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum (the first part of the small intestine that digested food travels through). Also, stomach surgeries may reduce the production of acid in the stomach which is needed for iron absorption.
Sticking to a vegetarian diet can cause an iron deficiency as plant-based sources of iron do not absorb as well as animal sources.
Groups At Risk of Iron Deficiency
Some people may be more likely to develop an iron deficiency than others.
The risk of developing an iron deficiency is greater in:
▪︎People who menstruate
▪︎People who are pregnant
▪︎Children
▪︎People who donate blood frequently
▪︎People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
▪︎Premature infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy
▪︎Vegetarians and other who lack heme iron (the iron found in meat and seafood) in their diets.
The incidence of iron deficiency is almost 25% in people who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and about 12% in people who had a gastric sleeve procedure.
Iron deficiency also occurs in many health conditions, such as:
▪︎Cancer
▪︎Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
▪︎Heart failure
▪︎Kidney disease while undergoing hemodialysis
Additionally, long-term use of antacids may also put you at a greater risk.
How Do I Know If I Have an Iron Deficiency?
Symptoms of iron deficiency include:
▪︎Fatigue
▪︎Shortness of breath
▪︎Dizziness
▪︎Headaches
▪︎Palor (pale skin)
▪︎Weak and brittle nails
▪︎Difficulty concentrating
▪︎Poor memory
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency. Left untreated, it can lead to numerous health issues.
Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause.
A history of certain infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders increases your risk of anemia. Alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals and the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia. Age. People over age 65 are at increased risk of anemia.
Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Conditions that may lead to anemia include: Heavy periods. Pregnancy.
What Causes Annemia?
In women of childbearing age, a common cause of iron-deficiency anemia is a loss of iron in the blood due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy. A poor diet, or certain intestinal diseases that affect how the body absorbs iron, can also cause iron-deficiency anemia.
In our other blog post we go deeper into Annemia and how to prevent it
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