Effects of Low Iron

Iron is a mineral of immense importance for human health. It is primarily required to make hemoglobin the hemoprotein that carries oxygen in blood. Iron is also essential for the synthesis of myoglobin, which helps to store oxygen in muscle tissues. Production of several important enzymes and the proper functioning of the immune system too depend on the availability of iron in the body.

Iron deficiency can disrupt these vital functions to produce a number of health problems. Though human body can store some iron, iron deficiency can occur due to inadequate dietary intake of iron and chronic bleeding. Chronic bleeding can be menstrual bleeding, non-menstrual bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding. Iron is also lost from the body in sweat and shedding of intestinal cells. Apart from these, problems in absorbing iron and frequent blood donation could be some other possible causes of this problem.

Low Iron Levels in the Body

After a long period of time, it can eventually lead to anemia, which is called iron deficiency anemia. People who fall in the risk zone for experiencing iron deficiency are, menstruating women, pregnant women, people having ulcers and any other conditions that can cause intestinal bleeding, as well as those who donate blood frequently. People having gastrointestinal disorders and strict vegetarians can also experience iron deficiency at times. Low levels of iron in the body can manifest in increased fatigue and lack of energy. People suffering from iron deficiency usually look pale and weak.

Some other symptoms or signs are, dizziness or light-headedness, breathlessness or shortness of breath, headache, irritability and weight loss. Brittle nails, cold hands and feet, soreness of the tongue, grooved nails and hair loss can be some other side effects. Apart from these, some people can develop an unusual condition due to low levels of this mineral, which is known as pica. Pica can be termed as an unusual craving for non-nutritive substances like, clay, dirt, ice, soil, chalk, paper, etc. Some patients can also develop a disorder, known as restless leg syndrome.

Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing iron deficiency, as the iron requirement of the body increases during pregnancy. A significantly low level of iron during pregnancy can raise the risk for premature birth and low birth weight. Even stillbirth may result from a severe deficiency of iron in pregnant women. Pregnant women can develop anemia due to iron deficiency, which can make them weak. Blood transfusion may be required, if such pregnant women lose a lot of blood during delivery.

Prevention of Iron Deficiency

It can be prevented by consuming foods rich in iron. Basically, there are two types of iron, heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron. Heme iron can be found in animal foods like, beef, chicken, fish and organ meat like liver and kidneys. On the other hand, the non-heme iron can be found in plant foods such as beans and lentils. Some other good sources of iron are, whole grain breads, oatmeal, blackstrap molasses, eggs, oysters, leafy green vegetables, dates, prunes, raisins, tofu, broccoli, nuts and seeds. Along with including these foods in the diet, one may require iron supplements at times.

Usually, a diet rich in iron is enough to counter the effects of iron deficiency by bringing the level of iron to a normal range. But, if you are considering to take iron supplements, please talk to your physician or health care provider. Too much of iron is also detrimental to health, for which supplements should be used in moderation and only under the supervision of a certified physician.