Micronutrient (micronutrient) belongs to the micronutrient group and is important for growth, recovery and disease prevention. It is one of the minerals that can not be manufactured within the body and must be consumed through the diet. Serious, pregnant women and children are more vulnerable to it.
Iron is an important metal in the human body and has a major role in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body by hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells, and two thirds of the source of iron inside the body, which means that iron deficiency affects the various functions of the body starting from Brain functions and immune system and its ability to fight infection, and the following points show some of the benefits of iron:
Improves athletic performance. Contributes to temperature regulation. Maintains the health of hair, nails and skin. Helps to increase the level of energy; it helps to transfer oxygen to the muscles and brain, which plays an important role in physical and mental performance in the body. Supports the health of pregnant women and the fetus. The body doubles the production of red blood cells and increases the body's absorption during pregnancy, in order to provide the fetus with oxygen and nutrients.
Iron sources Iron comes from two sources, one animal, which is known as Heme, such as red meat, fish, poultry, egg yolks, and liver. The other is vegetarian and is known as non-heme iron, which is difficult for the body to absorb such as dried fruits, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, pulses, dried beans, and grains in general. It is worth mentioning that there are some foods that help to absorb iron, such as those containing vitamin C, such as citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, in addition to meat when ingested with leafy vegetables. Some foods reduce the absorption of iron, such as tea, and milk is also a food that negatively affects the effectiveness of iron absorption in the body, which is particularly evident in children aged one to four years when they abandon mother's milk Has enough iron needed by the infant during lactation. Iron-fortified infant formula is recommended. In addition, children in this age group grow rapidly, requiring high iron intake. Support is recommended Diets with iron-rich foods or iron supplements
The amount recommended for iron depends on the human need for iron on age, sex and state of health. Children and adolescents need iron more than adults. This is related to their period of growth. Both males and females need equal age in childhood, , Because of the loss of some blood during the menstrual cycle, and then return to equal with them once the interruption of the menstrual cycle, the following table shows the recommended amount of iron per period
Symptoms of iron deficiency Iron deficiency caused by the reduction of iron levels in the body causes lack of hemoglobin, red blood cells, and anemia. This can negatively affect the effectiveness of muscles and tissues due to lack of sufficient oxygen,
Fatigue, fatigue, low energy levels, low concentration and productivity at work. Pale face or nails; due to lack of hemoglobin which gives red color to blood. hard breathing. Arrhythmia. Headaches and dizziness. Dry skin and damaged hair. Feeling of twisting legs. Cold hands and feet. Feeling anxious. Frequent infections; because iron deficiency may affect the immune system. Serious complications for women and their fetuses due to lack of levels or stock of iron intake; such as high risk of infection, early delivery of the fetus or low birth weight, as well as poor cognitive and behavioral development of the child
Causes of Iron Deficiency and Diagnosis Iron deficiency is diagnosed by blood analysis (CBC), which is a routine procedure for the detection of overall health of the body, through which the measurement of the amount of all blood components, and there are indicators revealed by this examination help to diagnose iron deficiency such as hemoglobin Or red blood cells, and in some cases may require endoscopy (Endoscopy) in the case of internal bleeding, and there are several reasons for iron deficiency, including what comes
Do not get enough iron during the diet. Loss of blood during severe menstrual cycle. Do not meet the increased need for iron for pregnant women. Some diseases that affect absorption such as abdominal disease.
Iron supplements In some cases, the human body may need to compensate for iron deficiency by using dietary supplements. These supplements may be capsules, or can be taken intravenously in cases of severe iron deficiency, and should be taken on an empty stomach to avoid The lack of absorption when eating, and consult with the doctor of the amount recommended; as the increase in doses may lead to toxicity, especially in children, and the following mention of some cases that increase the need for iron
Pregnant women may need up to 27 milligrams per day, according to the National Institutes of Health, which exceeds the daily needs of adult women. Lactating women. Patients with dialysis. When taking iron-depleting drugs, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, bile acid sequestrant, ulcers and others.
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