During an infection, iron deficiency limits the ability of immune cells to fight bacteria, researchers have found.
- The main dietary sources of iron are liver, meats (regardless of type), fish and seafood, legumes, nuts, cereals, egg yolks and green leafy vegetables. ANSES.
- The iron intake of the adult population is estimated at 11 mg/d, but this rises to 16 mg/d for women with high menstrual losses (ANSES).
Doctors already knew that an iron deficiency causes severe anemia which corresponds to a depletion of blood, characterized by the reduction of red blood cells and causing a state of weakness. Thanks to researchers from the German Cancer Research Centre, we learn that this anemia is accompanied by a spectacular drop in immune defences, which makes us less resistant to certain viruses and bacteria, and even to cancers.
Iron deficiency decreases the number of white blood cells
Their work, published in Science Advances, show for the first time that this deficiency in fact greatly reduces a type of immune defense cell, neutrophils. These cells represent up to two-thirds of white blood cells in humans, recall the authors of the study.
Researchers have therefore realized that limiting iron is a double-edged sword. Indeed, iron deficiency is one of the body’s defense strategies during bacterial infections: many pathogens are iron dependent.
To slow down their multiplication, the body accumulates iron in certain cells which serve as a storage chamber to make it more difficult for pathogens to access this precious resource. This rescue mechanism”therefore simultaneously reduces the defensive power of an important arm of the immune system“, write the authors.
Iron, an essential component of hemoglobin
These findings remind us that a balanced iron metabolism is an essential prerequisite for our health since it is an indispensable component of hemoglobin. This protein, which gives blood its red color, is responsible for transporting oxygen in red blood cells.
An iron deficiency is therefore harmful, but an excess of iron in the body is also bad: “Symptoms and complications may appear if iron accumulates in endocrine organs, especially the pancreas, as well as in the liver and heart.” can we read in the MSD Manual.
