Bryan Betty: Iron Deficiencies

Iron deficiencies are an important but often hidden issue – the most common mineral deficiency in the world. Not having enough iron in the body can lead to a range of health problems.      Why is iron so important in the body?   It’s important for making red blood cells in our blood, which carries oxygen around the body.   If we don’t have enough iron, we don’t produce enough red blood cells – we call this anaemia.  It’s also important for the immune system and growth and development in children.       How does it affect us if we don’t have enough iron on board?   There are all sorts of symptoms that develop, the most common of which is feeling tired or fatigued.   Headaches, feeling short of breath, and interesting things like hair loss or brittle nails, racing heart, or ‘feeling the cold’.  You may just look ‘pale’.      What causes it to happen?   There are three big groups of causes:   Blood loss over time.   Commonest cause is women with heavy menstrual bleeding.    Sometimes hidden blood loss in the gut can indicate a serious issue like bowel cancer – if concerned, we will investigate it.   Not eating enough iron in our diet.   That can be an issue especially for if you are vegetarian or vegan, as big source of iron is meat. Sometimes an issue for children.   What we call ‘malabsorption’.   Not absorbing iron through the stomach. Can be due to things like stomach bypass surgery for weight loss or some stomach infections.       What can we do about it?   It’s important if you are feeling tried or run down you see your GP for a simple blood test, which will tell us if you’re iron deficient.  If there is an underlying cause like blood loss, it will be treated or we’ll look for bowel issues.   If you are iron deficient, diet is incredibly important.   Obviously, meat or fish is an important source.   If you are vegan or vegetarian making sure adjust your diet to include more iron – green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Fruit (Vitamin C) with meals as helps iron be absorbed.   Be careful as tannins in coffee and tea stop iron being absorbed.   Sometimes you do need iron supplements to boost your iron or occasionally an iron infusion at the GP to get your iron store back up.  If you are concerned see your GP.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.