IronDoes your body have the right amount of iron? Take this test to find out.
Iron is a mineral with several essential functions in the body. It constitutes the core of both hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to the muscles. Iron is also essential for growth, normal cell function, and the production of connective tissue and some hormones.
Low iron levels inhibit the production of hemoglobin, resulting in reduced red blood cells. When the body can’t supply enough red blood cells to meet its demands, it manifests as anemia, which affects an estimated two billion people around the globe.
Increased iron concentrations occur in hemochromatosis and acute liver disease. Excess iron cannot be naturally excreted from the body, so it accumulates in organs and tissues, eventually causing serious health complications.
Why consider this test?
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. The people most at risk for iron deficiency are:
- Females due to blood (and iron) loss through menstruation
- Pregnant women, as double the usual amount is required during pregnancy
- Infants and young children, due to poor intake
- Teenagers, as they require adequate iron for growth spurts but often have poor diets
- Vegetarians and vegans, as iron from plant sources is not as easily absorbed as from animal sources
Hemochromatosisis the most common genetic disorder in people of European descent, affecting approximately 1 in 200 individuals, but early diagnosis and treatment prevents any of the health complications of hemochromatosis.
Fatigue
Pale skin
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Memory problems
Depression
Joint pain
Low sex drive
