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Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency or Anemia, shows up as low Hemoglobin and other red blood cell related parameters like Hematocrit etc.  Symptoms vary from hair loss, fatigue, chest pain, brittle nails, pale skin, irregular periods etc.

 

Most of the iron in the body is found in the blood but some is present in every cell that is bound to iron containing enzymes. Functional iron (most abundant iron in the body) is bound within structures of hemoglobin.

 

Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Non- functional iron of the body is held in iron storing compounds present in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Some of these iron stores are held in large internal cavity within protein called ferritin.

 

Ferritin is a soluble iron storing compound whereas hemosiderin is an insoluble iron- protein complex that are specially designed for the reversible storage of iron. Very small amounts of ferritin are present in the plasma and they determine the amount of iron present in the iron stores. So non- functional iron gets transported by attaching itself to transferrin or ferritin. Transferrin carries iron from the intestine to the bone marrow and other cells in the body during growth and development.

Causes

Causes

  • Imbalanced diet

  • Poor absorption of Iron due to poor gut health and lifestyle.

  • Loss of Iron and RBCs more than the body can replenish.

  • The body requires more iron than usual (such as if you are pregnant or breastfeeding)

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Other conditions that cause bleeding can in turn increase iron loss:

  • Heavy, prolonged, or repetitive menstruation periods

  • Esophageal varices, frequently caused by cirrhosis;

  • Cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel;

  • Long-term usage of aspirin, ibuprofen, or arthritic medications, which might result in gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Stomach ulcer disease

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Reasons why the body may not absorb enough iron:

  • Poor gastrointestinal health

  • Low gastric acidity

  • Taking too many antacids or antibiotics tetracycline

  • Celiac disease

  • Thalassemia - an inherited blood illness in which there is insufficient hemoglobin produced by the body.

  • Crohn’s disease - is an inflammatory disease that affects the digestive system

  • Gastric bypass surgery

  • Phytates, oxalates and polyphenols

  • Infections

Our Support

  • Provide meal plans as per NIN guidelines and phase of life to ensure adequate iron consumption.

  • Improve the absorption of iron by giving gut health healing foods.

  • Ensure increased intake of vitamin C as it aids in absorption of iron

  • Conditions like Celiac disease and Thalassemia cannot be reversed but the need for iron can be raised by eating a more organized diet.

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