What does Low Iron Mean?
Low iron, or iron deficiency, can be a worrying diagnosis for many of us, as we may not understand what it is, what causes it, and what we can do to address it. This article aims to clarify the meaning of low iron, what causes it, and what steps might be taken to improve the condition.
What is Low Iron?
Low iron, medically referred to as iron deficiency or anemia, is a condition where levels of iron in the blood are lower than normal. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body, so low levels of iron can lead to a reduced number of red blood cells being produced and restricted blood flow throughout the body. Symptoms of low iron can include pale skin, fever, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
What Causes Low Iron?
There are a number of potential causes which can lead to low iron levels. The most common causes are inadequate dietary intake of iron, malabsorption disorders, gastrointestinal diseases and heavy menstrual bleeding. People may also become iron deficient if they are not getting enough iron-rich foods in their diet or if their body is not absorbing iron due to a medical condition.
What Can Be Done For Low Iron?
If you have been diagnosed with low iron, it is important to discuss a treatment plan with your doctor. There are both dietary and non-dietary treatments that may be required and your doctor can develop the best plan for you.
Non-dietary treatments might include iron supplements, intravenous iron infusions or red blood cell transfusions. Dietary treatments might include increasing the amount of iron-rich foods in your diet such as lean meats, legumes, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. It could also include using meat tenderizers or vegetable-based iron-fortified foods. It is also important to include Vitamin C in your diet as it has been shown to increase the absorption of iron.
In addition to dietary and non-dietary treatments, it is important to address any potential underlying causes of low iron. If you have recently experienced heavy menstrual bleeding, address this with a doctor. If you have any gastrointestinal diseases, it is important to take steps to manage the condition and get back on track to good health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low iron or iron deficiency is a diagnosis which can be worrying for many of us. However, it is important to understand what it is, what causes it, and what treatments are available. There is a range of both dietary and non-dietary treatments which can be used to address low iron levels and it is important to discuss a tailored treatment plan with your doctor. It is also important to address any underlying medical conditions which may be causing your low iron levels.