Iron deficiency is a serious health problem that usually manifests as exhaustion. One must understand the many unknown symptoms of iron deficiency. Iron is a nutrient, but it is an extremely important mineral for our body. It helps to transport oxygen throughout our body.

Dr. Subhaprakash Sanyal, director of the Department of Hematology and BMT at Mulong Fortis Hospital, said that iron is an important part of hemoglobin, which is a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs and transports it to the body. "Hemoglobin accounts for about two-thirds of the body's iron. If you don't have enough iron, your body cannot produce healthy enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anemia."

According to doctors, anemia caused by iron deficiency has been a major public health burden in India. "The incidence of anemia is as high as 53.2% in women and 21.7% in men," said Dr. Sanyal, adding that iron deficiency anemia can be treated with supplements. "Once your iron level rises, you should start to feel better."

– Fatigue or weakness – Pale or yellow skin – Shortness of breath – Dizziness or dizziness – Headache – Fast or irregular heartbeat – Chest pain – Cold hands and feet – Fingernails become brittle, cracked, scooped nails – Hair loss – Cracks on the side Mouth – Alien food Freedom (craving for things that are not food, such as dirt, starch, clay or ice)-sore and swollen tongue-restless legs syndrome (the urge to move your legs while in bed)

But how much iron does a person need?

"It depends on your age, gender, and overall health. Infants and young children need more iron than adults because their bodies develop quickly. In childhood, boys and girls need the same amount of iron-4 to 8 years old You need 10 mg per day, and 8 mg per day for 9 to 13-year-olds.

“Women need more iron because they lose blood every month during menstruation. This is why women between 19 and 50 need to consume 18 mg of iron per day, while men of the same age only need 8 mg,” the doctor explained Say.

You may need more iron from dietary sources or iron supplements if you meet the following conditions:

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Kidney failure (especially if you are on dialysis, which can remove iron from the body). * Have ulcers, which can cause blood loss. * A gastrointestinal disease that prevents your body from absorbing iron normally (such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). * Taking too much antacid will hinder the body's absorption of iron. * Have had weight loss (weight loss) surgery. * Exercise more (vigorous exercise will destroy red blood cells). * If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may also need to take iron supplements, because the body does not absorb iron from plants the way it absorbs iron from meat.

Foods rich in iron include:

1. All kinds of meat, such as lamb, pork, liver, chicken, and turkey. 2. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, dried peas, beans. 3. Spinach, green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other vegetables. 4. Other foods, such as eggs, fish, grains and cereals.

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📣 The above article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your health or medical condition, always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional.

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