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Iron deficiency, or sideropenia, is the state in which a body lacks enough iron to supply its needs. Iron is present in all cells in the human body and has several vital functions, such as carrying oxygen to the tissues from the lungs as a key component of the hemoglobin protein, acting as a transport medium for electrons within the cells in the form of cytochromes, and facilitating oxygen ...
The World Health Organization defines low ferritin in adults as below 15 nanograms per milliliter, but in clinical practice, iron deficiency may be diagnosed when ferritin is below 30 nanograms ...
Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia caused by a lack of iron. [3] Anemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. [3] When onset is slow, symptoms are often vague such as feeling tired, weak, short of breath, or having decreased ability to exercise. [1]
Whether or not you're eating animal protein—the most readily absorbable source of iron—it's a good idea to boost your iron know-how. Iron is a critical nutrient for cell health and overall energy.
Most Americans get enough iron from their diet. Meat, fish, poultry, kale, spinach, whole grains, tofu, strawberries and beans are rich in iron.. Unhealthy eating can lead to anemia, which is when ...
Nutritional causes are vitamin and mineral deficiencies and non-nutritional causes include infections. The number one cause of this type of anemia, however, is iron deficiency. [12] An insufficient intake of iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid impairs the bone marrow function. The lack of iron within a person's body can also stem from ulcer bacteria.
Infants, toddlers, and pregnant women have higher than average needs. Increased iron intake is also needed to offset blood losses due to digestive tract issues, frequent blood donations, or heavy menstrual periods. [74] Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, and low iron levels result in decreased incorporation of hemoglobin into red blood cells.
However, many people do not eat enough of this critical mineral, increasing their vulnerability to iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia. Usually, eating a wide variety of iron-rich foods can ...