By Dr Sathesh Babu Subramaniam, Consultant Physician, Hospital Seri Botani
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It is necessary for production of haemoglobin and myoglobin. Haemoglobin or red blood cells help to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of your body. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to your muscles. Iron is vital for a healthy immune function. Iron is also necessary for normal thyroid function.
Iron is absorbed from what we eat. There are two types of iron in food, heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found in meat and is the most easily absorbed by our body. Non-heme iron comes from vegetables, fruits and cereals fortified with iron.
Generally, iron is loss through bleeding, especially in women of reproductive age, from menstruation, pregnancies and childbirth. You also can lose iron through blood loss from the stomach and intestines. Gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and H. Pylori infection can impair iron absorption leading to iron deficiency. Vegans are at a higher risk of iron deficiency because non-heme iron is not easily absorbed.
When you are iron deficient, you can suffer from symptoms like lethargy, reduced effort tolerance and poor focus. Other unusual symptoms are hair loss, restless leg syndrome, depression and muscle cramps. Studies have shown that iron deficiency can increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Diagnosing iron deficiency involves a simple blood test to look at your ferritin levels. Once the condition is identified, treatment depends on the severity of iron deficiency. In severe or absolute iron deficiency, iron infusion is indicated. Otherwise, oral iron supplement is sufficient. By understanding the importance of iron, recognizing the signs of deficiency, and seeking timely medical intervention, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health and well-being.
