Do you feel constantly tired, as if your body is groaning under constant fatigue? Symptoms of iron deficiencyWe understand the causes of this problem in order to avoid it.
What is iron deficiency?
Ferritin (iron store) is a complex protein that serves as the most important form of iron storage within the human body.
It is found in the cells of various organs, especially in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, as it helps regulate iron levels in the body.
The concentration of ferritin in the bloodstream directly reflects the amount of iron stored in the body, so;
Ferritin deficiency can manifest in a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.
Would you like to know: Symptoms of iron deficiency in the body
What are the causes of a lack of iron stores?
There are several possible causes of ferritin deficiency, including:
- Inadequate intake of dietary iron:
This can be especially common among vegetarians, and individuals who have a diet severely lacking in iron-rich foods.
- Increased iron requirements:
Certain life stages and situations can increase the body's need for iron, leading to depletion of ferritin stores.
- Absorption disorders:
In conditions that affect the body's ability to absorb iron, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and gastric bypass surgery.
- Blood loss:
Chronic or acute blood loss, whether from internal sources, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, or external sources, such as heavy menstruation, can deplete the body's iron stores and thus lead to ferritin deficiency.
- Chronic diseases:
Some chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders, can interfere with the body's ability to use and store iron, resulting in low iron stores.
- العوامل الوراثية:
In rare cases, genetic disorders, such as transferrinemia, which impair the body's ability to transport iron, can contribute to the development of ferritin deficiency. Understanding the underlying causes of ferritin deficiency is essential to determine the appropriate therapeutic approach and prevent further complications.
How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
The doctor diagnoses iron deficiency through some medical examinations that the doctor performs, including comprehensive physical examinations, and identifying the symptoms that the patient feels to detect signs of iron deficiency in him, such as the presence of changes in the heart or lungs and pale skin. The most important laboratory tests that the doctor performs to diagnose iron deficiency are the following:
- Blood analysis, which includes measuring the level of hemoglobin in the blood, the level of ferritin, and the level of total iron.
- Stool examination, to detect the presence of hidden blood.
- Bone marrow examination, but this examination is not relied upon except in rare cases.
When should ferritin be checked?
Ferritin testing is considered necessary to detect iron deficiency in the early stages, especially when symptoms such as fatigue, exhaustion, and pale skin appear, or when there are risk factors such as heavy menstruation, pregnancy, or chronic diseases. The test is used to monitor the effectiveness of ferritin. Treatment of iron deficiency To be able to diagnose cases of iron overload in the body, the treating physician also recommends performing a ferritin test if there is suspicion of chronic infections or liver disease, as ferritin can affect the diagnosis of these cases.
You can also read: Causes of iron deficiency
What is the difference between iron deficiency and iron deficiency?
Although the terms iron deficiency and iron deficiency are commonly used interchangeably, they refer to two different conditions.
- Iron deficiency: refers to a deficiency of iron in the body, which may lead to anemia.
- Iron deficiency: It is a specific condition in which levels of ferritin, the protein responsible for storing iron in the body, decrease.
The main difference is that ferritin deficiency is a more specific indicator of iron status in the body, and reflects the amount of iron stored in the body's cells, while iron deficiency is a broader term that includes a group of medical conditions associated with iron deficiency and malnutrition.
It is important to note that ferritin deficiency can often lead to iron deficiency in the blood, as depletion of ferritin stores can ultimately lead to less iron being available for the body's needs.
However, the opposite is not always true ie Iron deficiency It does not necessarily mean a ferritin deficiency.
What is the percentage of natural iron reserves?
Normal ranges for ferritin levels can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the individual's age and gender.
- For men: 12 to 300 nanograms/ml.
- For women: 12 to 150 nanograms/ml.
It is important to note that these ranges may change significantly, and healthcare providers may use slightly different reference values based on the specific laboratory performing the test.
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Complications of iron deficiency
A lack of iron stores can cause a number of serious complications to human health, unless treatment is done. The most prominent of these complications are the following:
- Impact on the heart, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and heart failure in severe cases.
- Impact on the nervous system, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and depression.
- Weakness of the immune system leads to infections and diseases easily.
- Impact on children's growth and development, and delayed physical and mental development.
- Increased risk of premature birth for pregnant women, and decreased fetal weight at birth.
- Increased risk of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Treatment of iron deficiency
Treatment for iron deficiency depends on the severity of the deficiency and the presence of accompanying symptoms. In mild cases, modifying the diet and increasing the intake of iron-rich foods may be sufficient. These foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, as well as dark leafy vegetables.
In more severe cases, the doctor recommends taking oral iron supplements. These supplements must be taken on an empty stomach to increase iron absorption. It is important not to take them with calcium or with foods that hinder its absorption. Iron supplements may also cause some side effects, such as nausea or constipation. In some rare cases, the doctor resorts to giving iron intravenously, especially if there is difficulty absorbing iron orally or if the deficiency is severe. It is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a lack of iron stores cause headaches?
A deficiency in iron stores can, of course, cause headaches. When iron levels in the body decrease, the production of hemoglobin in the blood decreases, which leads to the swelling of blood vessels in the brain, thus causing pressure, which gives the individual the feeling of a headache. This is why it is important to consult a doctor when feeling recurring headaches for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of the main problem.
How do I know that iron stores are low?
Low iron stores can be recognized by some common signs and symptoms:
- Feeling tired and constantly exhausted, dull and pale skin, and general weakness in the body,
- You may also suffer from difficulty concentrating, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and rapid heartbeat
- Hair loss and brittle nails are all signs that, if they appear, you should consult a specialist doctor so that he can perform the necessary tests to enable him to make an accurate diagnosis, identify the correct health condition you have, and begin the treatment phase.
What does an iron deficiency patient feel?
An iron deficiency patient suffers from constant fatigue and exhaustion, even with slight effort. He suffers from pale, dull skin and muscle weakness in general, in addition to feeling dizzy and dizzy, especially when standing up suddenly after sleeping or sitting. The patient suffers from difficulty breathing and a rapid heartbeat. Also, the skin, hair, and nails are greatly affected, whether by dry hair, hair loss, brittle nails, or fading of the skin.
In conclusion, we hope that this trip has clarified to you the symptoms and causes of iron deficiency.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the key to regaining your health and vitality.
Medical sources
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