Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia and the most prevalent in the world. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 33% of pregnant women, 40% of pregnant women and 42% of children around the world have the lack of iron in the body.
It is present in foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, bowels (liver, kidneys), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas) and dark green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, broccoli and crescione. But depending on the lack of iron, it is necessary to integrate, always under medical advice.
“It is important to remember that the association with foods rich in vitamin C (such as orange, acerola, lemon) improves the absorption of vegetable iron, since substances such as caffeine, calcium and plyeats can make it difficult”, explains Dr. Eliana Teixeira, a post-grain doctor in endocrinalogy.
Excess iron can also damage and cause damage to health. “Known as a ferric overload, it can generate a picture called emocromatosis, which favors the accumulation of minerals in vital organs such as liver, heart and pancreas. This accumulation causes oxidative stress, cell injuries and inflammation, which can lead to cirrhosis, heart failure, spontaneously cardio diabetes,” warns the doctor.
What is the ideal amount of iron?
The need for iron varies according to sex, age and physiological conditions. In general, women in fertile need 18 mg/day due to menstrual losses, while adults need about 8 mg/day. In pregnant women, the recommendation can rise to 27 mg/day, according to international guidelines.
“It is essential to evaluate serum levels through tests such as ferritin, hemochrome and saturation of the transferrin, since both excess and disability bring important risks,” adds the expert.
Who should integrate iron?
Iron integration should only be performed with medical indications after the laboratory evaluation. The groups that often need include pregnant women in pregnancy, infant, growing children, women with intense menstrual flow, people with diagnosed anemia and individuals subjected to bariatric surgical interventions.
“The indiscriminate use of supplements is dangerous, since the body cannot easily expel excess iron. Therefore, the medical follow -up is essential to define a safe dose and duration.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
