Iron deficiency affects health, appearance, and well-being.
Iron is one of the most important trace elements in the body. It is part of hemoglobin, a substance that carries oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues. It is also involved in cholesterol metabolism, and gastrointestinal processes regulating body temperature and supporting the immune system.
Iron deficiency affects health, appearance, and well-being. With a lack of this element, a person may develop iron deficiency anemia. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 30% of people suffer from anemia.
Symptoms of iron deficiency
You can understand that the body is severely lacking in a useful mineral by the following signs:
- emotional fatigue, lethargy;
- fast fatiguability;
- headache, memory problems;
- increased irritability;
- poor appetite;
- pale and dry skin, brittle hair and nails, hair loss;
- change in eating habits (the desire to gnaw ice, eat chalk, and so on);
- impaired sense of smell (attracted by the smell of fresh paint or gasoline);
- restless leg syndrome.
If you find at least a few symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will prescribe the necessary tests and treatment.
Why iron deficiency occurs
One of the main reasons is an unbalanced diet. The body does not produce iron on its own, so you need to replenish the reserves with the help of products.
The daily need for an adult in this trace element depends on age and gender. Children need 8 to 10 mg per day, women aged 19 to 50 – 18 mg, men – 8 mg. After the onset of menopause, the norm for women is equal to the male.
Also, among the causes of iron deficiency, blood loss is distinguished (due to injuries, heavy menstruation, operations, and so on), an increased need for an element during pregnancy, and impaired absorption of iron.
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