IRON IS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF PROTEINS INVOLVED IN OXYGEN TRANSPORT

It is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. Almost two-thirds of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Smaller amounts of iron are found in myoglobin, a protein that helps supply oxygen to muscle, and in enzymes that assist biochemical reactions. Iron is also found in proteins that store iron for future needs and that transport iron in blood. Iron stores are regulated by intestinal iron absorption.

SIGNS OF IRON DEIFICIENCY ANEMIA INCLUDE:

• feeling tired and weak
• decreased work and school performance
• slow cognitive and social development during childhood
• difficulty maintaining body temperature
• decreased immune function, which increases susceptibility to infection

IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IS USED TO REPLETE IRON STORES IN IRON-DEFICIENT ANEMIAS

Underlying causes of iron-deficient anemia include the following:

• Chronic blood loss (hemorrhoids, parasites, bleeding peptic ulcer, malignancy)
• Inadequate iron intake or inefficient absorption (iron-poor diet, chronic gastrointestinal disturbances)
• Increased iron requirement due to expanded blood volume (infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy)