Iron: An Essential Nutrient
May 27, 2009
Iron is an important mineral in the body. Most of the iron in the body is found in the form of hemoglobin in the red blood cells and rest of the iron is found in myoglobin. Iron is required in the body to transport oxygen to cells, muscles and enzymes that assist bio-chemical reactions to produce energy. As a reserve, an excess of iron is stored in the body.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Symptoms of iron deficiency are fatigue, increased risk of infection, delayed development in infant, decreases work, glossitis and reduced cognitive function. Iron deficiency is common among pregnant women, infants, teenager girl, toddlers, women of childbearing age and vegetarians.
Deficiency of Iron
An iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Whenever there is deficiency of iron in the body, the reserved iron is used to fulfill this deficiency. Once the reserved iron is also used, iron deficiency happen which lead to anemia, thus lack of oxygen to the cells.
During growth or period of blood loss, more iron is needed in the body. Pregnant women are recommended to have iron supplement as iron demand increases in the body at that time. All the women who have menstruation need extra iron.
Active female athletes have greater risk of iron deficiency because of their strict training program. This iron deficiency can affect their performance also. Elderly people also have the same risk. So, they should include variety of vegetables in their diet so as to avoid iron deficiency. If recommended by physician, iron supplement should be taken.
Excess of Iron
As deficiency of iron is not good for our body, same goes for excess of the iron in the body, which is very rare to happen. High iron level can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, risk of nervous system, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. It can also lead arthritis, liver cancer and diabetes. Excess of iron condition arise due to excess intake of iron supplement.
Now that we know that iron is very important for our body, so do include variety of iron-rich vegetables and fruits in your diet. Along with this include meat, poultry and fish, dairy products and eggs.
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