Role of Iron

It is well known that deficiency of iron causes anaemia. Most of the women become deficient in iron during their reproductive years and during pregnancy. This is because they lose enough blood during periods and the diet often lacks enough iron.Iron supplementation is prescribed to women suffering from heavy periods and PMS. Those who take medication for stomach ulcers and indigestion must increase iron in their diet. Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers too are advised to increase iron consumption.

Iron is also needed as a factor for functioning of enzymes, especially the ones related to energy production. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps in fighting cancerous cells.

Natural Sources of Iron

There are two types of sources iron. One is heme part and other is non-heme part. Dairy products, meat and poultry products provide the heme part of the iron. Other options are oysters, mussels, clams, turkey, beef liver and sardines.

Non-heme sources of iron are pumpkin seeds, canned beans, black strap molasses, pasta, asparagus, cereals and potatoes (cooked with their skin unpeeled).

Deficiency of Iron

Iron is essential for production of RBCs. The life of these cells is between 100 to 120 days. Each day millions of cells need to be produced. Deficiency of iron may lead to serious complications.

Characteristic symptoms of iron deficiency include headache in frontal region, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, weakness and pale appearance of the skin. The nails may start growing abnormally and the tongue appears sore and reddish.

Women suffer from excess pain during periods and heavy bleeding. Low iron content in body effects immunity and increases vulnerability to seasonal infections.

Other symptoms include brittle hair, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and decreased appetite, sleeping problems, anemia and some type of deafness.

Children suffering from iron deficiency have serious learning problems. Untreated iron deficiency may lead to development of impaired mental functions.

Iron may not be absorbed well by the body and this may lead to deficiency. This is especially common in elderly people. Cobalt, manganese and copper are mandatory for proper absorption of iron.

The phosphates present in soft drinks too reduce the absorption. Use of NSAIDs due to gastric bleeding and excessive sweating increases elimination of iron from the body