Iron deficiency: symptoms, causes and ways to manage it

New Delhi: Iron is an important nutrient required by the body for blood production and its insufficiency can cause the body to malfunction. Do you often feel tired or dizzy even after a long, lazy day lying on the couch? This could be a consequence of iron deficiency and should be looked at closely. One of the most common deficiencies, iron deficiency is characterized by a lack of iron in the body. This can lead to a condition known as iron deficiency anemia due to which the body can suffer from a low number of healthy red blood cells.

Iron Deficiency – Causes and Symptoms

When it comes to risk factors, women, frequent blood donors, children, vegetarians, and infants are at greater risk of developing iron deficiency than other groups of people. Among the causes of iron deficiency, two factors at the top of the list are the body’s inability to absorb iron and insufficient intake of iron from the diet. Pregnancy and blood loss are among the less important causes. Some common symptoms of iron deficiency include the following:

• Dizziness
• Tired
• Be cold
• dizziness
• Small appetite
• Headache
• Pale skin
• Brittle nails
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Iron deficiency – Management methods

Here are some ways to manage iron deficiency:

1. Increase your intake of iron-rich plant-based foods such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, kale, raisins, beans, and squash seeds.
2. Increase your intake of iron-rich animal foods such as chicken, clams, lamb shrimp, eggs, and sardines.
3. Supplements can help meet the body’s iron needs. However, before switching to a supplement plan, be sure to seek expert advice on dosage.
4. Vitamin C can improve iron absorption, therefore foods rich in vitamin C such as tomatoes, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, and pineapples should be included in the diet.
5. To prevent iron deficiency in infants, mothers should give them an iron fortified formula.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before starting a fitness program or making any changes to your diet.