Iron (Fe)
Also known as: In the periodic element, Iron is listed as Fe.
Most iron in the body occurs in the hemoglobin, the component in red blood cells that carry oxygen and delivers it to the body’s tissue.
Iron is an important component in hemoglobin. Iron is necessary for formation of many essential enzymes in the body. The body recycles iron.
When red blood cells die, the iron in them is returned to the bone marrow to be used again to form new red blood cells. A small amount of iron is lost each day, mainly in cells shed from the lining of the intestine.
This amount is usually replaced by the one to two milligrams of iron absorbed from food each day.
Home Remedies using Iron:
Benefits and Uses of Iron:
Iron prevents iron deficiency anemia. Iron is obtained through diet and iron supplements.
Iron Deficiency:
Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency in the world, causing anemia in men, women, and children. The most common cause is through the loss of blood.
In women, monthly menstrual bleeding may cause the deficiency. In men and postmenopausal women, iron deficiency usually indicates bleeding in the digestive tract from conditions such as an ulcer or a polyp in the colon. The deficiency may also result from bleeding in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys.
A lack of iron may result from an inadequate diet, primarily in infants and small children, who need more iron because they are growing.
Adolescent girls who do not eat meat are at risk of developing iron deficiency, because they are growing and starting to menstruate.
Pregnant women are also at risk of this deficiency, because the growing fetus requires large amounts of iron.
When iron deficiency occurs, anemia develops. Anemia causes paleness, weakness, irritability, drowsiness, and fatigue. Concentration and learning ability may be impaired.
When severe, anemia may cause headache, ringing in the ears, spots before the eyes, digestive upset, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. Occasionally, severe anemia causes chest pain and heart failure. Menstrual periods may stop.
In addition to anemia, iron deficiency can result in symptoms like pica (a craving for non-foods such as ice, dirt, or pure starch), spoon nails (a deformity in which the fingernails are thin and concave), and leg cramps at night. Rarely, iron deficiency may cause a thin membrane to grow across part of the esophagus, resulting in difficulty swallowing.
Iron rich foods are red meat, organ meats (such as liver) dried fruit, like raisins, and in green leafy vegetable, and is also available in supplements and intramuscular injections.
Side Effects of Iron:
Many blood transfusions and excessive iron therapy can cause an excess of iron in the blood. Another cause of excessive iron in the body is hemochromatosis, a hereditary disorder.
Iron consumed all at once causes vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the intestine. Excess iron over long periods of time may damage coronary arteries.
