How often do you feel drowsy or tired? Can you barely climb CDs without getting wind even though you are physically fit? If so, you may have an iron deficiency.Also read – Poor lifestyle choices by youngsters during lockdowns lead to increase in TB cases
Although many people do not consider iron as a nutrient, it is an extremely important mineral for our body. Iron helps our body transport oxygen. It is an important component of hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to your entire body. Hemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If you do not have enough iron, your body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Red blood cell deficiency is called iron deficiency anemia. Also read – Cato Diet for Weight Loss: Is It Effective? If yes, how much weight can we lose? – 5 points to learn
Today, an estimated 2.3 billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, one of which is attributed to an estimated IDA (Iron Deficiency Anemia). Patients often experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, paleness and weakened immune system, which thus affect their quality of life, mobility and productivity. Many patients remain asymptomatic. Southeast Asia and Africa continue to report the highest prevalence of anemia, accounting for 85 percent of all reported cases worldwide. Also read – Explained: What is the status of BA.2 Omicron variant in India? Should people worry? The expert speaks – see
Due to the lack of current or relevant guidelines for dealing with IDA, 84% of patients are undiagnosed, especially because the symptoms for IDA are vague and some patients are asymptomatic.
In general, you can treat iron deficiency anemia with supplements. Once your iron levels rise, you should start to feel better.
Dr. Subhaprakash Sanyal, Dir. The Department of Hematology and BMT, Fortis Hospital Mulund lists some of the symptoms of iron deficiency:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Pale or yellow skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or mild headache
- headache
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Cold feet and hands
- Brittle, cracked nails, spoon-shaped nails
- Hair loss
- Cracks near the side of your mouth
- Pika (craving for non-food items, such as dirt, starch, clay or ice)
- Pain and swelling in the tongue
- Restless Legs Syndrome (desire to move your legs while you are in bed)
How much iron do you need?
This depends on your age, gender and overall health. In general, babies and toddlers need more iron than adults because their bodies are growing too fast. In childhood, boys and girls need the same amount of iron – 10 mg daily for 4 to 8 year olds and 8 mg daily for 9 to 13 year olds.
Women need more iron because they lose blood every month during their period. That’s why women between the ages of 19 and 50 need to get 18 milligrams of iron per day, while men of the same age can get away with just 8 milligrams.
In addition, you may need more iron, either from dietary sources or from iron supplements, if you:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Kidney failure (especially if you are undergoing dialysis, which can remove iron from the body)
- There are ulcers, which can cause blood loss
- Have a gastrointestinal disorder that prevents your body from absorbing iron normally (such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
- Take lots of antacids, which can help your body absorb iron
- Has undergone weight loss (bariatric) surgery
- Do a lot of work (intense exercise can destroy red blood cells)
- If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may also need to take an iron supplement, as the body does not absorb the iron found in plants as well as it absorbs iron from meat.
Foods that contain iron
You can easily supplement your child’s iron needs through diet by including the following foods:
- Different types of meat such as beef, lamb, pork, liver, chicken, turkey
- Beans like chickpeas, lentils, dried peas, beans
- Vegetables such as spinach, green peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
- Other foods such as eggs, fish, grains and cereals
By ensuring that children, women and all adults eat iron-rich foods, you can ensure healthy and normal growth.
