Focus on iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common problem, especially in women. Recent epidemiological data reveal that the proportion of people affected could be higher than previously thought...

Iron is an important element required for the 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬, which supply oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 include fatigue, cold extremities, hair loss, brittle nails, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, etc. Of course, 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is an aggravating factor in women.

A recent study published in JAMA found that 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟒𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 young women may have low iron levels, with ferritin levels <25 µg/L. This protein is contained in the blood, carries iron, and is a 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝. However, it is important to note that the ferritin threshold established by the World Health Organization for iron deficiency is 15 µg/L.

Iron deficiency can be treated by taking 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 for at least 3 months. Iron intake can also be increased by eating 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧-𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 such as meat, fish, liver, seafood, brown rice, tofu, dried fruits, nuts, cereals, green leafy vegetables, and egg yolk.