30% of the world's population suffers from iron deficiency - this makes iron deficiency one of the most common deficiency symptoms. An iron deficiency leads to the human body not producing enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, the red blood pigment, is found in the red blood cells. Without this substance, the body cannot bind and transport enough oxygen.
How you can tell if you are suffering from iron deficiency, what the causes are and further information on the subject of iron deficiency can be found in this article.
iron deposits in the body
Of the three to four grams of iron in the body, part is bound to transferrin, the transport protein. Another part is found in hemoglobin, the red blood pigment in red blood cells.
How much iron does the body need?
A balanced diet should contain 10 to 15 milligrams of iron. However, the intestines can only absorb five to ten percent of this. Depending on gender, age and life situation, the body loses different amounts of iron, which must be replaced. After the menopause, men and women lose about one milligram a day. Menstruating women lose up to three milligrams of iron during their period. The bodies of breastfeeding women also need a higher amount of iron during breastfeeding.
The German Nutrition Society recommends the following amounts for iron intake :
- Infants :
- Children up to 15 years :
- Adolescents/Adults male :
- Adolescents/Adults female :
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women :
Causes of iron deficiency
An iron deficiency occurs when the iron requirement is greater than the amount taken in. It can occur, for example, if not enough iron is consumed through food or if the body's iron absorption is impaired. Increased iron loss can also be the cause of iron deficiency.
In Europe, the most common cause of iron deficiency is chronic blood loss. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, eg due to inflammation of the gastric mucosa, is one of the most common causes. Menstruation is also a common reason for the deficiency.
A meat-free or one-sided diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Infants, young children, alcoholics, vegetarians and vegans are most likely to be affected.
If the body's iron absorption is impaired, the body cannot absorb iron from food properly. This could be caused by chronic inflammatory bowel disease, for example. Impaired iron absorption can also occur after partial removal of the stomach. Long-term use of medication against excessive stomach acid production can hinder iron absorption. High consumption of black tea or coffee and rhubarb also leads to inhibited iron absorption.
symptoms
Our body needs iron to transport oxygen. The body also needs iron for blood formation and other metabolic processes. If the body is not supplied with enough iron, this is reflected in the following symptoms, among others:
- fatigue
- dizziness
- fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- shortness of breath
- cracked skin and cracked corners of the mouth
- brittle nails
- brittle hair
consequences of iron deficiency
When there is an iron deficiency, the body empties its iron stores. These are emptied until all reserves are exhausted. Until then, symptoms of exhaustion appear. After that, iron deficiency anemia occurs.
The body cannot function properly when there is an iron deficiency - and the immune system also suffers. In addition to the symptoms of iron deficiency, such as brittle nails and hair loss, iron deficiency can also lead to a higher susceptibility to infections.
If there is an iron deficiency, not enough oxygen can be transported, the heart beats faster and breathing becomes more rapid. This is how the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. During physical exertion, this can lead to heart palpitations and shortness of breath. If the body has to do this for a long period of time, it can lead to heart muscle weakness.
Iron deficiency can also lead to postpartum depression. During pregnancy, the body needs more iron, around 1,000 milligrams. In addition, blood loss is common during and after birth. Postpartum depression can also be triggered by hormonal or social circumstances, lack of sleep or anxiety.
Iron deficiency can also lead to developmental disorders in children. Iron deficiency in the unborn child can lead to premature births, low birth weight or growth delays. In growing children and adolescents it can lead to concentration problems, impaired brain development or a disturbed menstrual cycle.
Preventing and Treating Iron Deficiency
Anyone who belongs to the risk group should have their blood values checked regularly. Particular attention should be paid to the ferritin value, transferrin saturation and CRP value.
If there is an iron deficiency, more iron should be included in the diet. The bivalent iron contained in meat is particularly easy for the body to process. However, if a change in diet is not enough, for example because anemia is already present, iron therapy may be necessary.
There are various options. Iron can be administered to the body via tablets or suspensions (oral iron therapy), or through iron infusions (intravenous iron therapy).
However, large amounts of iron in the form of dietary supplements should not be taken without medical advice, even if iron preparations are available over the counter. The body cannot excrete excess iron and then stores it in the organs. If the iron stores are overfilled, organ damage can occur.
How can you diagnose iron deficiency?
If iron deficiency is suspected, this should be discussed with a doctor. A medical history is important, which should include information about lifestyle and eating habits, previous illnesses and medications taken. The duration and severity of menstrual bleeding should also be asked, and in older people, questions should also be asked about bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or in the urinary and genital organs.
The hemoglobin value (Hb value) indicates the concentration of the red blood pigment (hemoglobin). If this value is too low, then anemia, i.e. anemia, is present.
Ferritin (storage iron) is a water-soluble protein. It stores iron and protects cells from free iron in the body. This substance is found in the cells of the liver, bone marrow, spleen and muscles.
It shows how well the body's iron stores are filled. If the level is too low, iron deficiency anemia may be present. If the body is fighting an infection or a chronic illness is causing inflammation in the body, the ferritin level may still be high even though iron deficiency is present.
To determine whether inflammation is present, the CRP value is measured. The CRP value is the parameter for the C-reactive protein.
Transferrin saturation indicates how much iron the transport proteins are loaded with. With the help of transferrin, iron is transported from the intestinal cell to cell through the bloodstream. If the saturation is too low, there is too little iron in the body. Transferrin saturation can also indicate whether you have an iron deficiency in the case of inflammation. To ensure that the value is highly meaningful, the blood should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning.
Then it's time to look for the cause. To rule out bleeding, the stool must be examined for blood. A gastrointestinal endoscopy may also be necessary if bleeding is still suspected. In women, a gynecological examination could also be beneficial.
Ferritin Test
Ferritin Test
Low ferritin levels can lead to fatigue, hair loss and weakness. Check your ferritin levels to optimize your iron levels and increase your energy levels.
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Who is most commonly affected by iron deficiency?
In Europe, approximately 5-10% of the population is affected by iron deficiency. Women and children are most commonly affected. It occurs in 20% of women of childbearing age. During menstruation, the body loses between five and 80 ml of blood per month. Between 2.5 and 40 ml of iron are lost in the process. During pregnancy, the need for iron doubles.
In the female body, the blood volume increases and, as a result, the amount of iron required also increases. The increased need for iron is needed, among other things, for the continued normal blood flow in the body, for the fetus, the placenta and the umbilical cord. Therefore, substances that limit the absorption of iron should also be avoided during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have previously had heavy periods or several pregnancies in quick succession are at risk of iron deficiency.
Vegetarians and vegans are also at risk for iron deficiency. This is because iron from meat is more easily absorbed. Plant-based iron is transported with other metals (zinc, magnesium, calcium), while animal-based iron is transported separately. However, iron intake from plant sources can be increased up to fourfold with vitamin C.
People with pre-existing health conditions also have a higher risk of iron deficiency. People who suffer from kidney disease, heart problems or tumors, for example, usually have a functional iron deficiency. The iron present in the body cannot be used by the body. In addition, high-performance athletes also have an increased risk of developing iron deficiency.
With Probatix it is now very easy to have your iron levels checked regularly. Simply register with Probatix Health and make an appointment!
