Written by Mervat Rashad
Wed, 08 Feb 2023 10:00 AM
causes Iron deficiency In the feeling of lethargy and weakness, what negatively affects your mind and immune system, and for pregnant women, iron deficiency can lead to more serious problems for the fetus, and in the following report we explain what iron is and its importance to the body, and why women are more at risk, according to what was published by the site onegreenplanet.
Why is iron so necessary?
This essential mineral is found naturally in some of the foods we consume and is also added to many processed food products. However, did you know that there are two types of dietary iron that your body needs? Nonheme iron is found in “iron-fortified plants and foods,” while heme iron is found in “meat, seafood, and poultry.”
This mineral is a component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Iron is also a component of another protein called myoglobin, which “provides oxygen to muscles,” which means that iron supports your metabolism, in addition to these functions. The task, iron helps in “growth, development, normal cell function, and the synthesis of some hormones and connective tissues.” The efficiency of iron absorption and distribution is controlled by a hormone called hepcidin using red blood cells and plasma..
Understanding iron deficiency
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) Common throughout the world, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for your red blood cells. The result is that iron deficiency anemia deprives your body of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Sufferers experience fatigue, weakness, lethargy, pale skin, shortness of breath, and cold hands and feet. Headaches, brittle nails, and dizziness, to name a few. There are several causes of iron deficiency anemia including inadequate consumption of iron, inability to absorb iron, internal bleeding, ulcers, cancer, and certain over-the-counter medications. Menstruation and pregnancy.
Iron deficiency in women
Women are more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia because of two main factors: the first is menstruation, so we lose more iron-rich blood, and the second is that women can become pregnant and give birth to children.
What are the risks?
Pregnancy increases women’s risk of iron deficiency anemia. One in six women suffer from iron deficiency anemia. This can be dangerous for the baby. Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth or a baby. Low birth weight.
However, once your baby is born, you will need less iron while you are breastfeeding, because it is likely that you will not lose much during your period, during that period because most breastfeeding women either do not get their period or have a very light cycle..
How much iron do women need?
Recommended daily amounts depend (RDA) For iron on age, sex and pregnancy.
For example, women ages 19 to 50 are advised to consume 18 milligrams per day, and pregnant women in the same age group are advised to consume 27 milligrams.