Health

Symptoms & Causes Of Iron Deficiency In The Human Body

It is one of the most common nutritional deficiency found in humans. It occurs due to insufficient amount of iron in the body.  Various physiological processes of the human body require iron to carry out the same properly. For example production of hemoglobin which is a protein present in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the entire human body. The capacity to produce red blood cells is hampered when there is iron deficiency in a particular patient.

Let’s briefly talk about the causes of iron deficiency:

1. Improper diet: When we don’t eat enough iron rich food, it causes deficiency in our body and may result in various severe complications.
2. Poor Digestive System: If you have a poor digestive system, your iron intake is wasted.
3. Increased iron requirement: There are several conditions which may lead to increased iron needs. For example, rapid growth, hormonal changes, pregnancy and menstrual cycle.

Apart from these, medical conditions such as rapid weight loss, abdominal diseases and blood loss can also deplete iron from the human body.

When your body looses iron, it goes through a chain of changes which maybe severe in some cases varying on certain individual & body conditions. When the changes start to take place, several symptoms come ashore and you must take necessary steps to put your health on right path once again. 

Here are some symptoms to determine iron deficiency in the human body :

Weakness & fatigue : It is one of the most common and early stage symptom of iron deficiency. As you start to loose iron from your body, your functional abilities are hampered and thus causing fatigue and weakness to a great extent.

Dull skin : Iron deficiency causes reduced hemoglobin in the red blood cells of the human body. If your skin starts getting pale or dull, it may be a symptom of iron deficiency.

Shortness of breath : With weakness in your body, experiencing shortness of breath is inevitable. Insufficient oxygen supply caused to iron deficiency may cause the same and you may experience this especially while carrying out physical activities.

Sudden headaches & nausea : As the red blood cells are unable to carry adequate amount of oxygen to the brain, it may cause headaches & dizziness at times which are uncertain. It is an important symptom to determine iron deficiency in your body.

Oral Soreness/swelling : You may experience swollen tongue or soreness in inner parts of your mouth. It is also known as glossitis which is a confirmed symptom of iron deficiency.

Less immune function : Iron deficiency reduces your body's ability to fight against germs & infections as your immune system is greatly weakened & you are left vulnerable to diseases & infections.

All these symptoms may vary from individual to individual and can be more severe if not treated early. If you face any of these symptoms, regardless f the severity, visit your nearest specialist as soon as possible. Here at Quickobook, you may find your nearest healhtcare expert with just a click of your finger. Download our app from Google playstore & our carebuddy will help keep your health right on the track.

 

Who are at risk?

1. Blood donors : If you donate blood regularly it may reduce your iron storing capacity thus causing iron deficiency over a certain period of time. If not detected early, rigorous complications may arise with time.

2. Infants : New born babies who are born prematurely, or have less weight than normal, may suffer from iron deficiency. If not treated on time, the infant may be diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia which is caused when there is not enough iron present in red blood cells of the baby's body. 

3. Women : As a result of blood loss during menstrual cycle, women are at a greater risk of facing iron deficiency. 

4. Vegans : People who dont eat meat or other living protein & iron sources may suffer from iron deficiency, if they dont eat other iron rich foods to replenish the iron amount coming from meat.

Anemia is the most common condition caused by iron deficiency which you can determine by taking out certain blood tests & supplementation. Quickobook offers diagnostic tests at a very low rate, from various branded labs across your city. We also offer free home collection of your blood samples along with huge discounts on your entire diagnostic bill.

 

How to prevent iron deficiency ?

You can reduce the risk of getting diagnosed with iron deficiency by maintaining a iron rich diet on a long term basis. Pork, red meat, poultry, seafood/fishes, iron rich cereals & green vegetables are great source of iron. Also the intake of Vitamin C activated food may help with proper digestion of iron. Vitamin C helps the human body to filter & absorb iron from the food that you eat and helps supply adequate amount of iron to the entire body. But, expert supervision is always recommended as excessive amount of iron may damage your liver, kidneys & other vital organs. You may book your nearest specialist from Quickobook who can help you with your diet and help prevent any serious complications which may arise due to iron deficiency in your body. 

 

Conclusion:

Iron deficiency is mainly related with the diet we choose to have on a regular basis. If you have healthy habits you won't have to worry about iron deficiency anemia. Apart from certain factors, if you face any of the symptoms that's mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to go for consultation as expert supervisor is always necessary. With Quickobook, it’s now easier to book Doctor's appointment. You just need to download our app from Google Playstore or visit us as www.quickobook.com for for booking an appointment instantly. Go digital, switch to Quickobook today and start your healthcare journey with us.