The Doctor explains - Iron

Iron

The body requires sufficient amount of iron in order to create red blood cells, which will eventually transfer oxygen from the lung to all the tissues of the body. Lack of iron will cause reduced AMOUNT of red blood cells as well as reduced QUALITY of the red blood cells. Put it simply, without iron the body will have less Red blood cells (our oxygen carriers) and the existing red blood cells can transfer less oxygen due to diminished quality.

Without enough oxygen in the tissues, the cells metabolic activities decline and as a result we have an array of symptoms (which are all due to the diminished oxygen supply to the tissues:

• Tiredness & Exhaustion
• Pale skin due to anaemia
• Poor memory
• Low mood
• Weak muscles
• Fast heart rate or noticeable heartbeat

Women are more prone to have low iron due to the monthly menstrual period and it is a good idea to get iron supplements especially during the menstruation to replenish the lost iron. Other people at risk include vegas and vegetarians, prolonged fasting during Christmas and Easter period, pregnant women and people with malabsorption issues.

It is easy to measure your iron (the best way to do this is measure your Ferritin level) and treatment should be tailored according to your levels. In severe cases intravenous iron infusion might be required, but in most cases oral supplementation is enough.