Here are the symptoms, consequences and treatments of iron deficiency.
- A man needs one milligram (mg) of iron per day and two mg for a woman between puberty and menopause.
- A normal diet provides between 10 and 15 mg of iron per day.
- Only 5 to 10% of these contributions are absorbed by the body.
Worldwide, more than 1.5 billion people suffer from iron deficiency, according to health insurance. However, this mineral is very important for the human body. It is mainly necessary for the transport and use of oxygen by red blood cells, as well as for the functioning of certain enzymes, according to the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES).
Iron deficiency can have health consequences
So, when the body lacks iron, it can have significant consequences on health. The main one is anemia called “ferriprive”, that is to say linked to a lack of iron.
It is characterized by a level of hemoglobin in the blood – the substance present in red blood cells which allows them to transport oxygen to all the organs of the body – lower than normal values. Often asymptomatic at first, anemia may cause fatigue, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.
Another consequence: a delay in the child’s cognitive development. “Iron deficiency in children under the age of two can have serious and irreversible effects on brain development, explain the World Health Organization (WHO). It can have detrimental consequences on learning and academic performance later in life. A child’s cognitive development may also be affected if the mother experiences iron deficiency during the last trimester of pregnancy.”
Iron deficiency: rrecognize the symptoms and adapt your diet
But how to recognize the signs of iron deficiency? According to health insurancethe drop in hemoglobin level can result in signs specific to anemia (fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath on exertion, headaches, feeling of “dizzy”, dizziness, dizziness, weakness when getting up from a chair, etc.) and characteristic signs of iron deficiency, i.e. dry skin and hair, as well as brittle nails. If in doubt, it is best to consult your doctor who will be able to establish the diagnosis using a blood test.
On a daily basis, for adults, iron needs differ depending on gender: one milligram (mg) for a man and two mg for a woman between puberty and menopause. A normal diet provides around 10 to 15 mg of iron per day, but only 5 to 10% is absorbed by the body..
In the event of a deficiency, it is therefore recommended to favor foods rich in iron such as red meat, blood sausage, liver, dried vegetables (lentils), eggs, etc. If this is not enough, supplements can also be prescribed by the doctor.
