Iron:

In infants, children, youth and adults Iron is present. It is present in the RBC as haemoglobin. Iron is also present in the body proteins. Iron is stored in the body for example in the liver. Iron is supplied to the body through food materials like meat, liver, eggs, vegetables and cereals. Different foods have different absorption levels of Iron.

Absorption of Iron:

Absorption of Iron varies in different conditions and absorption will be more in the presence of certain substances. Certain substances inhibit the Iron absorption in the body. The absorption of Iron also depends on the Iron needs of the body. The absorption of Iron will be more in anaemia, loss of blood during pregnancy and during growth and development.

Utilisation of Iron:

In plasma Iron combines with globulin. Iron is very much needed in the formation of haemoglobin. After the death of R B C haemoglobin is broken down and Iron is released and re-used again for future body needs.

Iron loss from the body:

Iron will be lost from the body in sweating, from epithelium and during excretion. In females more Iron will be lost during menstruation, pregnancy and during lactation.

Iron requirements:

In males and in females daily requirements of Iron varies. Women need more amounts of Iron than men. The amount of Iron required varies from 1-3 mg., depending on the body conditions and other factors.

Iron sources:

Iron sources are through vegetable sources and animal sources. Leafy vegetables, beans, cereals are the vegetable sources. The animal sources are fish, shrimps, oysters, liver and egg yolk.

Iron deficiency:

Iron deficiency causes anaemia in both males and females. Anaemia is more common in woman when compared with men. The deficiency of Iron causes weakness, lethargy, sore tongue. The Blood picture also changes due to Iron deficiency.

Treatment of Iron deficiency:

Better to consult your family Doctor or Gynecologist if you have any symptoms related to Iron deficiency.

Take food materials that contain Iron either vegetable or non-vegetable sources. Remember prevention is better than cure.

Pregnancy, infancy, excessive menstruation in women, blood donors, after operations or after surgery, anaemias, loss of blood, malaria, infections and infestations require Iron therapy.

Iron will be also stored in excess in the body due to various reasons and diseases. To describe excessive Iron storage three terms are used. The conditions are as follows:

1. Siderosis: This conditions arises due to when iron is taken when not indicated.

2. Haemosiderosis: This condition arises due to breakdown of haemoglobin in certain types of anaemias and due to excessive blood transfusion.

3. Haemochromatosis: This condition arises due to metabolic conditions resulting in excessive iron absorption. This condition is known as Bronze Diabetes.

The element Iron plays an important role in our body mechanisms. If you take care of Iron Iron takes care of you. In females the first two letters are Fe and the symbol of Iron is Fe. May be this is the reason why Females require more Iron than men.