What is Iron and Iron deficiency
Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones. A lack of iron is called iron deficiency . It is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, causing extreme fatigue and lightheadedness. It affects all ages, with children, women who are pregnant or menstruating, and people receiving kidney dialysis among those at highest risk for this condition.
Red blood cells of a normal individual vs red blood cells of an
individual with iron deficiency.
Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency
- Extreme fatigue
- Pale skin
- heart palpitations
- Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
Iron deficiency isn't something to self-diagnose or treat, a blood test is required to confirm if you have iron deficiency or not.
This page was created by Yolokazi Fumba