If you feel lethargic and often unfocused, you might have Iron Deficiency. The depletion of iron stores, particularly the macrophages and hepatocytes, is known as ‘Iron Deficiency.’ The synthesis of erythrocytes, commonly known as Red Blood Cells, depends entirely upon iron. Supporting the fact that a massive concentration of iron is required to synthesize Red Blood Cells, ‘Anemia’ appears as the most obvious symptom of this iron deficiency.

 This is when the body cells do not have enough red blood cells to properly function in different body organs. Thus, the most common term used worldwide relative to this iron deficiency is ‘Iron Deficiency Anemia’. 

• Heme iron from animal sources is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron from plants.
• Vitamin C boosts iron absorption by up to 300%.
• Cooking with cast iron can increase food’s iron content by 20%.
• Fortified cereals can meet a large portion of daily iron needs in one serving.
• Iron deficiency affects around 30% of the global population.
• Pregnant women need nearly twice the iron of non-pregnant women.
• Coffee and tea can hinder iron absorption.

This article shows the various related concepts of iron deficiency, mainly its diagnosis, considering different iron sources, etiology, effects, and intervention strategies.

Luckily, plenty of food sources can significantly help combat iron deficiency. All the dietary sources prove highly beneficial, giving you superhuman strength and assisting you to fight different types of disorders, mainly ‘Iron Deficiency Anemia.’ Some of its prime sources include:

 Iron obtained from plant-based sources is known as non-heme iron, and iron obtained from animal sources is known as heme iron. Preferably, non-heme iron is considered best for health outcomes and efficiently combats iron deficiency. So, if you become an iron-deficient person, don’t seek other sources to replenish your needs. Just fill the daily platter with different combinations of green leafy vegetables and other related dietary items to enjoy the best results by getting disease Free State.

There are plenty of causes that make a person being iron deficient. There can be some dietary lacks involving inadequate intake, states of malabsorption that do not allow its absorption easy, and chronic blood loss. This condition triggers the body’s needs for iron and significantly puts a person at higher risk of life-threatening disorders like ‘Iron Deficiency Anemia.’ 

Different diagnostic procedures check the levels of iron in the body. These might include physical changes in the body, preventing iron levels in the blood, and any physiologic state. However, the biomarker of iron deficiency is reduced levels of ferritin.

If any physical condition shows a deficiency of iron, that should be eliminated early. For example, bleeding is the most remarkable feature of iron deficiency, so whenever any body part bleeds, a person should immediately consult the physician to locate that site and remove the bleeding. After getting a proper diagnosis and starting a treatment plan, a person should move to maintain the iron reserves. Some effective interventions that ensure an easy fight with iron deficiency include

Ensuring good nutrition from plant-based natural sources like green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereals, pasta, and fortified breakfast cereals can help maintain adequate iron stores in the body. However, a person should be focused on fulfilling its needs from natural sources like cabbage, broccoli, and nuts.

Iron needs can be fulfilled by maintaining oral intake through diet and supplements. But these supplements should only be taken under the recommendations of the physician and the required dosage. Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach is recommended, but if a person feels nauseous, he should take them right after the meal. 

If supplements are not working alone, you can combine them with some healthy nutrients to achieve their results. These supplements are not advised to take with antacids, as they negatively affect iron absorption. Meanwhile, the best standard way to take iron supplements is with Vitamin C, which remarkably helps to ensure optimal iron absorption.

Iron deficiency is undoubtedly a severe condition that affects not only the physical conditions of the body but also the physiological ones. There are definite ways to combat iron deficiency, mainly dietary modifications. The nutritional recommendations also specify the standard, which should not be exceeded. Because intake of every nutrient proves effective under a desired concentration and deadly over higher doses. Similar are the ways with iron supplements which are often advised to take in moderation and not to take with milk and other calcium sources but to bring with vitamin C sources like Oranges. 

So, by meeting the specified criterion, one can easily combat iron deficiency and enjoy a healthy and quality lifestyle.