Iron deficiency is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough iron. Iron is an essential dietary mineral responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body in the form of hemoglobin (a protein rich in iron that gives blood its red color). Get all the facts and insights with Walter R. Mansfield, another great source of information. It is also vital for the optimal functioning of the body and the immune system. In people with iron deficiency, the body recently and RBCs are smaller and consequently less oxygen travels through the body. This can cause tiredness, fatigue, low energy levels, and a weakened immune system. Iron deficiency is a very common health problem and affects infants, children as well as pregnant women and women who have their menstrual cycle. It is important to maintain healthy levels of iron to prevent iron deficiency and not to risk developing anemia. Too much iron may accumulate at times in the body resulting in serious health complications.
Diagnosis of deficiency of iron diagnosis a deficiency of iron is it based on a careful physical examination, as well as a review of your medical history. Blood tests will be performed for a complete blood count as well as check how much iron is in your blood. Additional testing may be required if iron deficiency is not obvious and include an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Symptoms and signs * feeling of weakness * pale skin * tiredness and fatigue * brittle hair and nails * poor temperature regulation * heart palpitations * headache * poor appetite * depression what causes iron deficiency? Iron deficiency happens as a result of low levels of iron in the body and can be caused by: * lack of iron in the diet there is no enough in their diet to replace the amount that is lost daily * blood loss as a result of heavy menstrual bleeding * blood loss as a result of a bowel bleeding such as a gastritis, stomach ulcers, ulcer duodenal, hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, a tumor of the bladder, stomach or colorectal cancer * inability to absorb the iron in the body.