Iron is an essential element for the formation of hemoglobin. About two third of body iron is in functional form, circulating in the blood as hemoglobin and in muscle cells as myoglobin. The remainder is stored, primarily in the bone marrow and liver. It is a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our body..Rich food sources of iron are red meat, pork and poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots, cereals such as bajra, ragi, wheat, beans such as moth beans, soy bean, seeds like garden cress and gingelly seeds.Functions of Iron• Energy production Iron is required to convert food into energy. It is an important part of the mitochondrial cytochromes that serves as electron carriers in the production of energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).• Oxygen transport Iron plays a major role in transferring oxygen from the lungs to tissues.• Iron is a key mineral that helps with the creation of cells and their growth.• Iron plays an important role in immune health• Iron helps to reduce fatigue.• Iron helps to improve cognitive function.According to ICMR NIN 2020 - Recommended Dietary Allowances of iron for different age group· Adult men of 60 kg weight The iron requirement is 19 mg/ day· Adult women of weight 55 kg The iron requirement is 29 mg / day· For pregnant female of 55 kg weight The requirement is 27 mg/day· For lactating female of 55 kg weight The iron requirement is 23 mg/dayIron deficiencyIron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiency in women and children in India. Anemia is one of the serious health problem among all the segments of Indian populations. The National Family Health Survey conducted in India shows that there is continuing high prevalence of anemia amongst Indian population. • Diet deficient in iron is a major cause of iron deficiency anemia in infants, young children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Milk is poor source of iron and bioavailability of iron from vegetarian diet is very poor.• Drinking tea and coffee with meals can reduce iron absorption of the food.• Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the cause of iron deficiency in women. Bleeding from hemorrhoids, small ulcers, NSAIDs (Non steroids anti-inflammatory drugs), heavy alcohol intake may cause iron deficiency anemia.• Deficiencies of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and copper may reduce the body's ability to mobilise and transfer body stores of iron.Signs and symptoms• Anemia• Poor immunity• Severe fatigue and lack of energy -• Breathlessness, Weakness• Brittle nails• Pale skin• Difficulty in concentration• Learning difficulties in children and adolescent• InfectionsToxicityTo treat anaemia the dose requirement of iron is high that is 30-60 mg/day. With this high doses, in empty stomach, supplements can cause abdominal pain.
Iron is an essential element for the formation of hemoglobin. About two third of body iron is in functional form, circulating in the blood as hemoglobin and in muscle cells as myoglobin. The remainder is stored, primarily in the bone marrow and liver. It is a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our body..Rich food sources of iron are red meat, pork and poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots, cereals such as bajra, ragi, wheat, beans such as moth beans, soy bean, seeds like garden cress and gingelly seeds.Functions of Iron• Energy production Iron is required to convert food into energy. It is an important part of the mitochondrial cytochromes that serves as electron carriers in the production of energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).• Oxygen transport Iron plays a major role in transferring oxygen from the lungs to tissues.• Iron is a key mineral that helps with the creation of cells and their growth.• Iron plays an important role in immune health• Iron helps to reduce fatigue.• Iron helps to improve cognitive function.According to ICMR NIN 2020 - Recommended Dietary Allowances of iron for different age group· Adult men of 60 kg weight The iron requirement is 19 mg/ day· Adult women of weight 55 kg The iron requirement is 29 mg / day· For pregnant female of 55 kg weight The requirement is 27 mg/day· For lactating female of 55 kg weight The iron requirement is 23 mg/dayIron deficiencyIron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiency in women and children in India. Anemia is one of the serious health problem among all the segments of Indian populations. The National Family Health Survey conducted in India shows that there is continuing high prevalence of anemia amongst Indian population. • Diet deficient in iron is a major cause of iron deficiency anemia in infants, young children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Milk is poor source of iron and bioavailability of iron from vegetarian diet is very poor.• Drinking tea and coffee with meals can reduce iron absorption of the food.• Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the cause of iron deficiency in women. Bleeding from hemorrhoids, small ulcers, NSAIDs (Non steroids anti-inflammatory drugs), heavy alcohol intake may cause iron deficiency anemia.• Deficiencies of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and copper may reduce the body's ability to mobilise and transfer body stores of iron.Signs and symptoms• Anemia• Poor immunity• Severe fatigue and lack of energy -• Breathlessness, Weakness• Brittle nails• Pale skin• Difficulty in concentration• Learning difficulties in children and adolescent• InfectionsToxicityTo treat anaemia the dose requirement of iron is high that is 30-60 mg/day. With this high doses, in empty stomach, supplements can cause abdominal pain.
