An increased heart rate and persistent fatigue are among the serious Iron Deficiency Symptoms that require immediate blood tests to measure hemoglobin levels and address any imbalance in the body.
This deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition that significantly affects overall health and disrupts vital bodily functions.
In this article on evercare, we’ll explore the main causes and signs of iron deficiency, along with proper treatment methods to help you restore healthy iron levels.
What Is Iron?
Iron is one of the essential minerals in the human body. It plays a crucial role in forming hemoglobin within red blood cells, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells, boosting the immune system, and providing the energy necessary for daily functioning.
Due to its importance across all life stages, iron levels must be maintained within a healthy range.
Any deficiency can lead to a decline in overall well-being and impair various physiological functions.
Many people, especially pregnant women, may suffer from iron deficiency without realizing it.
This is often due to subtle symptoms that may be dismissed or overlooked.
You can compensate for any deficiency in hemoglobin levels by taking dietary supplements or IV Therapy to treat anemia, after conducting the necessary tests to determine the required dosages for your body.
Recommended Daily Iron Intake
Iron requirements vary depending on factors such as age, health condition, and lab test results.
However, general daily recommendations are as follows:
- Newborns up to 6 months: 0.27 mg
- Infants up to 12 months: 11 mg
- Children up to 3 years: 7 mg
- Children up to 8 years: 10 mg
- Children up to 14 years: 40 mg
- Teenagers and adults over 14 years: 45 mg
- Adult males over 18 years: 8 mg
- Adult females over 18 years: 18 mg
- Pregnant women: 27 mg
- Breastfeeding women: 9–10 mg
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Natural Sources of Iron
Iron is available in many natural food sources, such as fruits and vegetables, and can also be obtained from various types of meat and their derivatives, including the following:
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Blueberries
- Lentils
- Cashews
- Tofu
- Chickpeas
- White beans
- Fava beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Quinoa
- Dark chocolate
- Oysters
- Beef liver
- Red meat
- Turkey
- Eggs
Each of these foods contains varying levels of iron, and incorporating a balanced mix into your diet can help maintain healthy levels.
Causes of Iron Deficiency
Iron plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s health by helping transport oxygen to the blood cells.
As a result, any deficiency can impair the ability of the body's organs to function properly.
The issue is that many people may not be aware of their iron deficiency because they do not conduct regular health check-ups, especially since the symptoms of this condition are often subtle.
Even after discovering the deficiency, individuals typically begin searching for the underlying causes, which are usually among the following:
- Pregnant women
- Depletion of iron stores during heavy menstrual periods in women and girls
- Certain diseases that affect iron levels, such as kidney failure, especially when patients lose large amounts of blood during dialysis
- Chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients
- Frequent blood donations
- Gastrointestinal bleeding as a side effect of certain medications and pain relievers
- Peptic ulcers or colon cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers
In addition to these causes, many other factors lead to iron deficiency, affecting the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, it also impacting heart health and the function of other organs.
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How to Use Iron Supplements
When taking iron supplements, they should be consumed in a specific manner to maximize their benefits and compensate for any iron deficiency in the body.
It is recommended to take iron-containing supplements orally, either immediately after or during meals.
For injectable iron supplements, they can be administered intramuscularly or by dissolving the ampoules in a glass of water or fruit juice, and should be taken at least one hour before meals.
It is also preferred to mix them with vitamin C -rich fruit juice to enhance absorption.
As for IV vitamins drip used to treat iron deficiency, there is no specific time recommended for their administration.
However, it is generally preferred to take them in the morning or mid-day.
iron IV therapy is considered one of the best treatments for individuals with low iron levels, as it directly delivers iron into the bloodstream.
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FAQs About Iron Deficiency Symptoms
What are the signs of iron deficiency?
Pale skin, general weakness, fatigue, headaches, and increased heart rate are common signs of low iron levels.
Can iron deficiency affect mental health?
Yes, it can contribute to psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
How do I know if my iron levels are low?
Blood tests that measure hemoglobin levels are the most accurate way to detect iron deficiency.
