WSR

Iron is a mineral that is needed by our bodies. It is present in all human cells and has several vital functions -- it carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies, it transports electrons within the cells,and it plays a vital role in enzyme reaction in various tissues. Iron is the most common known form of nutritional deficiency. When our bodies don't have enough iron morbidity and mortality can occur.

What is iron deficiency and why is it bad?

The body is iron deficient when it does not receive the recommended amount of iron everyday, this condition is also known as anemia or being anemic. A 19-30 year old women's recommended intake of dietary iron is 18 mg per day. If a person does not receive the correct amount of iron the following health risks may occur.
 -Iron deficiency can delay normal infant motor functions or mental function.
 -Iron deficiency during pregnancy can increase risk for small or early babies. Small or early babies are more likely to have health  problems or die in the first year of life than infants who are born full tern and are not small.
 -Iron deficiency can cause fatigue that impairs the ability to do physical work in adults. Iron deficiency may also affect memory or other mental functions in teens.


What causes iron deficiency?

Since iron is found in the blood, iron deficiency is most commonly found in women due to the loss of blood through the monthly  menstrual cycle. Other risk factors include:
  -Young children and pregnant women, because of rapid growth and higher iron needs. 
  -children,between six months and three years of age due to rapid growth and inadequate intake of dietary iron. Infants and children at highest risk are the following groups:
 -Babies who were born early or small.
 -Babies given cow’s milk before age 12 months.
 -Breastfed babies who after age 6 months are not being given plain, iron-fortified cereals or another good source of iron from other foods.
 -Formula-fed babies who do not get iron-fortified formulas.
 -Children aged 1–5 years who get more than 24 ounces of cow, goat, or soymilk per day. Excess milk intake can decrease your child’s desire for food items with greater iron content, such as meat or iron fortified cereal.
 -Children who have special health needs, for example, children with chronic infections or restricted diets.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron deficiency
 -fatigue
 -decreased work and school performance
 -decreased immune function
 -difficulty maintaining body temperature
 -pica: an appetite for non-nutritive substances (coal, soil, chalk, paper etc.) or an abnormal appetite for things that may be considered foods, such as food ingredients (flour, raw potato, starch, ice).

If you are at all concerned about your iron levels visit your doctor or health care provider. There is a simple test that can detect iron levels and diagnose iron deficiency. Treatment will depend on factors such as age, health, and cause of iron deficiency. You might be subscribed iron supplement pills or be advised on a healthy diet full of iron-rich foods.

Here is a list of some iron-rich foods: