What is iron deficiency:

Iron is the main mineral necessary for development and growth. It is primarily used to make hemoglobin, a protein containing globin and heme molecules that help transport oxygen within red blood cells from the lungs to various body cells. Iron is essential for muscle health as it is involved in the formation of myoglobin needed to supply oxygen to muscles, bones, and other organ functions. Iron also plays a role in the production of many hormones.

What are the recommended global amounts of iron:

The amount of iron our bodies need daily depends on age, gender, and dietary habits. Plant-based diets that do not include meat or fish are often low in iron, and the body also does not absorb non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. Therefore, vegetarians may need twice the amount of iron compared to individuals with a diverse diet

The following daily amounts are all measured in milligrams:

• From birth to 6 months: 0.27
• Infants 7-12 months: 11
• Children 1-3 years: 7
• Children 4-8 years: 10
• Children 9-13 years: 8
• Adolescents 14-18 years: 11 (boys) / 15 (girls)
• Adults 19-50 years: 8 (men) / 18 (women)
• Adults over 51 years: 8
• Pregnant and lactating women: 27
• Teen breastfeeding mothers: 10
• Lactating women: 9

Foods rich in iron:

1. Red meat, seafood, and lean meats.
2. Iron-fortified breakfast cereals and bread.
3. White beans, lentils, and peas.
4. Spinach, nuts, dried fruits, especially raisins.

There are two types of iron that the body can obtain: heme iron found in animal sources like meat and non-heme iron found in plant and animal sources. Iron is better absorbed when consumed with citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli.

Those at risk of iron deficiency:

1. Adolescent girls and women due to menstruation, especially those with menstrual disorders and menorrhagia.
2. Pregnant women and teenagers.
3. Infants (premature and low birth weight babies).
4. Individuals who have experienced accidents leading to significant blood loss.
5. Individuals who donate blood frequently.
6. People with digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, especially bleeding ulcers, which can lead to anemia and iron deficiency. It may go unnoticed, so it is important to test for fecal occult blood in case of suspected ulcers accompanied by anemia.
7. Individuals with cancer and heart failure.

Symptoms of iron deficiency:

Iron is essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. When deficient, the body initially uses iron stores in muscles, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. In the early stages of iron deficiency, symptoms may not be apparent. As iron stores decrease, symptoms such as anemia, small red blood cells with low hemoglobin content, and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells start to appear. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, digestive issues, lack of energy, concentration problems, and reduced task performance. Iron deficiency weakens the immune system and affects routine activities. In children, iron deficiency can impair concentration and learning ability.

Iron Toxicity:

Consuming high doses of iron can lead to clinical symptoms such as:

• Gastrointestinal issues: High iron intake on an empty stomach can cause symptoms like nausea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in some cases, diarrhea. Severe cases may include gastric mucosal irritation or ulcers.
• High doses of iron can also reduce zinc absorption, which plays a vital role in immunity.
• Hundreds or thousands of milligrams of iron can lead to organ failure, coma, seizures, and even death.

For high doses of iron, global medical recommendations are: 40 mg/day from birth to 13 years old, 45 mg/day for teenagers aged 14-18 years, and adults over 19 years old.

Iron Supplements and Hemochromatosis:

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes toxic levels of iron accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and heart diseases. People with this disorder should avoid iron supplements and vitamin C.

Interactions between Iron and Other Medications:

1. Iron and Parkinson's patients: Iron reduces the absorption of levodopa (dopamine precursor) used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome.
2. Iron and thyroid patients: Iron also reduces the absorption of levothyroxine used to treat thyroid gland disorders like hypothyroidism, goiter, and thyroid cancer.
3. Iron and stomach ulcers: Medications used to treat stomach ulcers (like omeprazole and lansoprazole) reduce stomach acid production, leading to decreased iron absorption, especially non-heme iron.
4. Iron and calcium: Calcium interferes with iron absorption, so they should be taken at different times.