The doctor listed the symptoms of iron deficiency in the body
Iron deficiency in the body has a number of symptoms that vary with the degree of deficiency of the substance. Iron performs many key functions, and its deficiency can greatly affect a person's quality of life and health. In a conversation with Izvestia on January 26, Denis Bannyi, a medical expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told us who is most susceptible to deficiency, why it appears, how to suspect and prevent it.
Iron performs many key functions. It is part of hemoglobin, which is responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs, explained the interlocutor of the publication. Iron is also involved in the immune system, cellular respiration and metabolism. Its deficiency leads to a lack of oxygen in the tissues and metabolic disorders, increased fatigue, decreased efficiency. Often it causes iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry oxygen in sufficient quantities, he added.
"In the initial stages, a person may not notice any changes. As the deficiency worsens, there is increased fatigue, weakness. The skin and mucous membranes become pale, headaches are more common, dizziness may appear from time to time. During physical activity, a person may note shortness of breath and rapid pulse - so the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Noticeable and changes in the mirror: the skin deteriorates, become more brittle and dull hair and nails, "- explains the doctor.
In chronic iron deficiency, shared Banny, the work of many systems and organs is disturbed: the risk of heart failure and tachycardia increases, concentration, memory and learning ability deteriorate, the body becomes vulnerable to infections, women's menstrual cycle is disturbed, there are difficulties with conception. In addition, in pregnant women, iron deficiency can provoke premature labor or low birth weight of the newborn.
At the same time, emphasized the expert, the treatment of iron deficiency always begins with diagnosis. The specialist will prescribe blood tests for hemoglobin, ferritin and serum iron levels. If there is a deficiency, the doctor will make dietary recommendations and, if necessary, prescribe medications to restore normal iron levels.
"To restore normal levels of the nutrient, you should regularly add red meat, liver, eggs, fish, spinach, broccoli and buckwheat to your diet. Iron from animal foods is better absorbed than from plant foods. The mineral is better absorbed if there is enough vitamin C in the diet. To do this, you should include in the menu citrus fruits, kiwi, sweet peppers", - reminds the expert.
In addition, it is recommended to reduce the use of tea, coffee, dairy products and foods high in phytate, because they interfere with the absorption of iron. Iron-containing drugs should be taken only on the prescription of a specialist and under the control of tests, concluded Banny.
Earlier, on December 26, endocrinologist Elena Ostrovskaya told "Izvestia" about the causes of anemia. Among them - problems with the gastrointestinal tract and hereditary diseases associated with impaired metabolism of vitamin B12, and others.
