Iron is found in large amounts in the blood. It is important to many enzyme functions, to the production of energy, and especially to childrens' growth and defence against illnesses.
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Anaemia can be traced by means of physical signs such as brittle nails which are "spoon-shaped" or which have length-wise grooves. Moreover, there can be signs such as paleness, dizziness, anaemia, tiredness, cold hands and feet, rapid pulse, increased susceptibility to infections, and hair loss.
Iron supplements are vital in numerous cases; but it has also proved to be a strain especially to certain cardiovascular disturbances, rheumatism, etc. The problem arises when the iron is overdosed, and the excess iron leads to the formation of large amounts of pathogenic free radicals.
When taking iron supplements, it is safest to take hem iron, but especially herbal iron is recommended in case of severe anaemia.
One differentiates between hem iron from animal sources and non-hem iron from vegetable ones. Hem iron is absorbed directly by the body. The non-hem form must be reduced from the ferri- to the ferroform in order to be absorbed. This is first and foremost done by means of vitamin C, even though other factors also play a part. Iron can be found in hemoglobin, in myoglobin in the muscles and in cytochrome; also as deposited iron in the shape of hemosiderin and ferritin, and in many enzymes such as catalase.
Phytin in the food - primarily from grain products - can e.g. bind iron and make it impossible to absorb. Tea drinking is apparently healthy, but if you drink too much tea you should be aware that it inhibits the body’s iron uptake. Lack of gastric acid and an excessive consumption of alcohol and medicine, such as aspirin, puts a strain on the absorption of iron. Iron is also destroyed when its is boiled as it is oxidized and therefore cannot be absorbed.
Iron can be found naturally in eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry, green vegetables, grains, dates, almonds, beans, parsley, peaches, pears, plums, raisins, sesame seeds, and soy beans.
A supplement of vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. An iron supplement should be taken between vitamin- and mineral supplements.
Anaemia will primarily be seen in women due to their menstruation. This is especially true in teenagers who have just begun to menstruate and who eat little or no red meat.
An iron deficiency can be the result of severe illnesses such as intestinal bleedings, increased menstrual bleedings, indigestion, stomach ulcers, too little gastric acid - perhaps caused by a long-term use of substances against too much gastric acid, too much coffee and tea. In some cases, it may be a lack of folic acid and vitamin B12, manganese or copper. Violent exercise can "wash out" iron from the body.
An iron deficiency should be controlled and perhaps regulated by a doctor.
Over dosage
Symptoms of over dosage are as follows:
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Moderate intoxication: 20 mg/kg – 40 mg/kg
At this dose mild intestinal symptoms can occur, including diaorhea and dehydration. -
Moderate to severe intoxication: 40 mg/kg – 60 mg/kg
This dose can lead to liver and other organ damage - Severe intoxication with dosages over 60 mg/kg can be fatal.
It is important to note that these dosages are in mg/kg, which means that it takes quite a lot to cause problems in adults. Children, who of course have lower body weights, are more susceptible to iron overdose, so please keep iron supplements, as with all dietary supplements, out of the reach of children!
