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Iron Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Address It
Written by:
Sofi Persson
Iron deficiency is a common issue that can affect people of all ages, but it is most prevalent among women of childbearing age, vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions. Iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Fatigue and lack of energy
Dizziness and headaches
Paleness
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Cold hands and feet
Difficulty concentrating
Restless legs syndrome
Hair loss
Causes of Iron Deficiency
There are many different causes of iron deficiency, but the most common ones are:
Blood loss: This can be caused by menstruation, heavy bleeding, gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and certain types of cancer.
Inadequate iron intake: This can be an issue for individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or those who do not consume enough iron-rich foods.
Difficulty absorbing iron: Certain conditions, such as coeliac disease and Crohn's disease, can make it difficult for the body to absorb iron from food.
Managing Iron Deficiency
How iron deficiency is managed depends on the cause and severity of the deficiency. In mild cases, dietary changes, such as eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron food supplements, may be sufficient.
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Iron-Rich Foods
There are many different iron-rich foods, including:
Meat, fish, and poultry
Beans, lentils, and peas
Green leafy vegetables
Dried fruit
Nuts and seeds
Fortified cereal products
Iron Food Supplements
There are many different types of iron food supplements available. The most common type is ferrous sulphate, but other forms also exist, such as ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, iron bisglycinate, and ferric citrate.
Our Iron Complex also contains Vitamin C, B12, rosehip extract, folic acid, and copper for better iron absorption and is gentle on the stomach.
Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin and thus also affects the transport of oxygen to the body's cells. Iron has a role in the process of cell division.
Preventing Iron Deficiency
There are several things you can do to help prevent iron deficiency, including:
Eating a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods
Taking an iron food supplement if you are at risk of iron deficiency
Cooking in cast-iron pots
Drinking vitamin C-rich beverages, such as orange juice, with iron-rich foods
When to Contact a Doctor
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of iron deficiency, or if you are at risk. The earlier an iron deficiency is diagnosed and addressed, the better the outlook.
Summary
Iron deficiency is a common issue that can cause a range of symptoms. It is important to speak with your doctor if you think you might have an iron deficiency, so you can receive a proper diagnosis and guidance.
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