Low iron levels – is it a cause of concern? Well, yes! Iron is a vital mineral that is essential for several bodily functions. One of them is transporting oxygen in the blood to various body parts. Iron deficiency occurs when there is insufficient iron in your blood. Such a condition can lead to iron deficiency anaemia with unpleasant symptoms like dizziness and fatigue, among many others.
Here is how low iron levels can affect your body:
When your body lacks iron, the heart is forced to send a greater amount of blood to compensate for the low oxygen amount. This can cause irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Children and infants with severe iron deficiency may experience stunted growth or delayed development. Loss of concentration and weak memory may also be a sign of very low and persistent iron deficiency. They are also prone to illnesses and infections.
A deficiency of iron in would-be mothers can cause certain complications during or post-pregnancy. For example – in extreme cases, premature childbirth or abnormally low birth weight can be seen if the mother has an iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency can present as pale skin, brittle nails and dull and frizzy hair. Increased hair fall can also be seen in chronic cases.
Reduced iron levels can lead to weakness and dullness due to reduced oxygen supply to the rest of your body. This may impact the productivity of the people affected.
Iron deficiency anaemia can adversely affect a person’s reproductive health (for both males and females) and menstrual cycles in females.
The best way to avoid iron deficiency is to make healthy changes to your dietary plan. Eating a diet that is rich in iron may help improve low levels of iron in the blood and prevent its potential complications. Additionally, you should also focus on eating foods that contain vitamin C, as it enables the body to absorb iron.
Moreover, you might need to take iron supplements with your planned diet. Many pregnant women are advised to consume iron supplements as part of their prenatal care to prevent premature childbirth.
Keep in mind that it is important to monitor your iron levels from time to time if you have an iron deficiency. Haemoglobin and overall parameters in an iron profile test and CBC can give a picture of iron stores and haemoglobin levels to your doctor. Following a diet high in iron and vitamin C can help you fight the ill effects of iron deficiency. In case your iron levels do not improve with dietary changes, your doctor may evaluate further to diagnose the cause of iron deficiency and advise you on suitable iron and vitamin supplements or blood transfusion in severe cases.
Also Read: 4 Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician if in doubt before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
References
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency
Iron deficiency anaemia
https://www.nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Control-of-Iron-Deficiency-Anaemia.pdf
It is a common question whether or not to fast before a blood test. Whether you have to fast for 8 hours or 12 hours or less or more is based on the type of blood test you have been prescribed by your doctor. The specifics about preparing for your stated test will be notified to you by your healthcare provider. But it is common knowledge that is consuming food before most blood tests that mention fasting samples is a big NO! Even what you drink can seriously impact the outcome of the test. In case you are thirsty, you are allowed to drink a clear liquid like water, but other drinks like tea, coffee, coconut water or milk are strictly prohibited.
Even small things like smoking, chewing gum (sugarless or not) or even working out can rev up digestion and influence the test results. In this blog, let us find out a bit more about fasting before blood tests.
Fasting blood glucose estimation and lipid profile tests are commonly recommended tests which should be done in the fasting state. Overnight fasting therefore gives the most accurate test results.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
The lab professional or doctor can advise you on fasting before a test you have booked. Make sure to ask about this if not notified. Some common blood tests that require fasting are listed below:
Recommended fasting time for the test: 9-12 hours.
Recommended fasting time for the test: Minimum 8 hours.
Recommended fasting for the test: 10-12 hours.
Recommended fasting time for the test: 12 hours.
Recommended fasting time for the test: 6-8 hours.
Recommended fasting time for the test: Minimum 8 hours.
Important thing and misconception is that fasting will reduce blood sugar report , it doesn’t. HbA1c shows average blood sugar of 3 months.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Also Read: CRP Blood Test Cancer: Understanding its Significance in Diagnosis and Treatment
Usually, your doctor or the lab professional will ask you to fast before a test, meaning that they will advise you to refrain from eating or drinking anything besides water for several hours (typically 8+ hours). This is because whatever you consume, solids or liquids are absorbed into the bloodstream, which affects the results of certain blood test types. This is why the patient is asked not to consume anything before the test starts the night before.
Ø Schedule tests as early as possible.
Ø Pack a snack for your child to have immediately after the test.
Ø If your child has already consumed something prior to the test, best to reschedule the test.
Ø Inform the doctor that you are pregnant when they are prescribing a blood test.
Ø When you are pregnant, fasting is safe if you are not having a high-risk pregnancy.
Ø If the weather is sweltering, the doctor may ask you to drink lots of water and remain indoors.
Ø In case you are experiencing heartburn at the time of pregnancy, inform your doctor immediately.
Ø Don’t consume high-fat foods the night before.
Ø Do not drink alcohol.
Ø Do not smoke.
Ø Do not engage in a strenuous exercise until the test is over.
Also Read: Does Black Coffee Reduce Weight: Research-Based Insights into Coffee’s Role in Weight Loss
Getting ready for a blood test is not something to worry about. Like any routine test, it involves following a few simple guidelines. Some tests would require you to fast for 8-12 hours and some might demand shorter fasting periods. Everything will be informed to you by either your doctor or your healthcare professional at the lab prior to the test. While being prescribed a test by a doctor, ensure to notify them if you have any pre-existing condition or you are on any ongoing medications or herbal supplements to ensure that your test results are as accurate as possible.
Also Read: Signs to Stop Water Fasting: Boundary Between Health and Harm
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The deficiency of iron can cause anaemia and leave us feeling fatigued most of the time. It can also cause dizziness, lightheadedness, poor concentration, irritability, paleness of skin, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, brittle nails, damaged hair etc.
Iron is a mineral found in our body. It is present in haemoglobin (Hb) in the red blood cells (RBCs) while in muscles it is present in myoglobin. Haemoglobin transports oxygen in our blood from the lungs to different parts of our body. [1]
Myoglobin helps to store oxygen which can be used up when required by our body. [2]
Did You Know?
I would recommend incorporating eggs in your diet to give your body the iron it needs. These versatile little powerhouses not only provide a wide range of essential nutrients but also contain a good amount of iron. Just one large egg (100g) contains approximately 1.75 mg of iron, which can cover your daily requirement.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Spinach is a very good source of iron for vegetarians. 100 grams of spinach contains 2.7 mg of iron. It also contains 28 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C also helps iron to be absorbed better in our body.
Cooking spinach with tomatoes also helps in better absorption of the iron present in spinach by our body. [8]
Apart from iron and vitamin C, spinach also contains vitamin A, K and minerals like magnesium and manganese. It is good for our eyes and bones and is also used to regulate blood pressure in patients with hypertension. It also reduces the risk of cancer and relieves constipation. [9]
Different varieties of shellfish are rich sources of iron. 100 grams of clam contains 13.98 mg of iron while oyster contains 5.1 mg of iron. Blue mussel, shrimp and lobster are also good sources of iron. [10]
Shellfish are low in calories and rich in proteins, good fats, vitamins and minerals.
Shellfish are good for our heart, brain and weight loss. They are also helpful in building immunity.
Tofu is a soybean-based food. 100 grams of tofu contains 5.4 mg of iron. Tofu is also a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin B1, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc etc.
Tofu maintains cholesterol levels and bone health. [11] It reduces the risk of anaemia and cancer.
If you are a non-vegetarian, healthy, low-calorie recipes using seafood, poultry and red meat abound on the internet. Making these a regular part of your diet will ensure your haemoglobin (Hb) levels will stay above average.
Researchers have found that iron deficiency risks are lesser in people who consume poultry, meat, and fish regularly. [12]
100 grams of red meat like ground beef contains 2.7 mg of iron. It is also very rich in B complex vitamins, selenium, zinc, and protein which are all very beneficial for the overall health of the human body.100 grams of chicken contains 1.3 mg of iron.
Fishes like tuna, sardines and mackerel are a rich source of iron.
Whole grains are also good sources of iron. [13]
Wheat, millets, oats, brown rice, and quinoa all contain iron.
100 gms of oats contain 4.7 mg of iron while quinoa contains 1.5 mg of iron. Wheat has 3.9 mg of iron per 100 gms while millet contains 3 mg.
Whole grains also contain fibre, proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Whole grains improve our digestion and may reduce the risk of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, obesity, cancer etc.
Who said that iron-rich food has to be boring. Dark chocolate may satisfy our taste buds and also add to the iron content of our body. 100 grams of dark chocolate contains 6.32 mg of iron.
Eating a bit of dark chocolate after every meal goes a long way in adding to our body’s iron reserves but it should not be overdone as it has a good amount of calories as well.
Dark chocolate also contains good fats, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium etc. It helps in keeping our cholesterol levels low and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks. [14]
Read More: 5 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Legumes like peas, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and different types of beans, all are good sources of iron.
Beans contain around 5 mg of iron per 100 grams while peas contain around 1.5 mg. Chickpea has 6.2 mg of iron per 100 grams while lentils have 3.3 mg.
Legumes are also rich in protein, fibre, B complex vitamins, calcium, potassium, zinc etc. Consumption of legumes may protect us from heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and inflammation. [15]
Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds are rich in iron. 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain 3.3 mg of iron while sesame seeds contain 14.6 mg and flaxseeds contain 5.6 mg of iron.
They are also rich in calories, good fats, vitamin A, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium and various phytosterols. They have innumerable health benefits when consumed regularly.
Nuts like pistachios, cashews, and almonds are good sources of iron. [16]
100 grams of pistachios contain 3.9 mg of iron while cashews contain 6.7 mg of iron. Almonds contain around 5.4 mg iron per 100 grams.
Nuts are rich in proteins, good fats and several other vitamins and minerals. They may reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases and help in weight loss.
Dried fruits like prunes, raisins, and apricots are good sources of iron. 100 grams of prunes contain 0.93 mg of iron while raisins contain 2.6 mg of iron. Apricots have 6.3 mg of iron per 100 grams.
Consuming these dried fruits daily helps to combat iron deficiency. [17]
Prunes also help in digestion and lower cholesterol levels in our body. Raisins are also good for digestion and make our bones strong. Apricots are rich in antioxidants and promote eye, skin and good health.
Also Read: Do Eggs Have Carbs? Debunking Nutritional Myths
I would suggest adding white mushrooms to your meals if you’re looking to boost your iron intake in a delicious and nutritious way. A cooked cup of white mushrooms (about 156 grams) contains approximately 2.7 mg of iron.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read: Why Do I Have a Metallic Taste in My Mouth? Unearthing Possible Causes
I would recommend incorporating palm hearts into your meals if you’re looking to increase your iron intake. In just one cup(146g) of palm hearts, you can find approximately 4.6 mg of iron.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Iron overload disorders are a group of medical conditions that cause excessive iron accumulation in the body. Hereditary diseases like hemochromatosis are a genetic condition that makes a person’s body absorb excessive iron from food and drinks.
The human body is unable to excrete excess iron, which leads to this iron storage in various organs of the body, like the pancreas, liver and heart, which may give rise to organ failure and damage. Damage of the pancreas can cause diabetes, while excessive iron in the body if goes untreated, can turn the colour of the skin bronze.
There are mainly two types of iron overload diseases: primary hemochromatosis (genetic mutation) and secondary hemochromatosis (results of a condition). While the former kind of iron overload disease can happen if the family carries the same, the secondary condition can result from some kind of anaemia like thalassemia, chronic liver disease or some alcohol-related liver disease.
With early diagnosis and treatment, a person can expect a normal life. However, regular check-ups and blood tests may go on for life. The treatment depends upon the severity of the person, but if left untreated, it can increase the complications and add on to other medical situations.
I would suggest eating broccoli if you are looking to boost your iron intake. Just one cup of chopped broccoli (156g) contains 1 mg of iron. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to increase your iron intake, make sure to include broccoli in your meals.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Best Foods for Anaemia
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Our food provides us with all the essential vitamins and minerals for the proper functioning of our body. These ensure that metabolic processes work correctly. The best way to obtain essential vitamins and minerals is through a balanced, healthy diet. If that doesn’t suffice, then supplements are recommended. The information about these vitamins and minerals can seem too much to comprehend. We bring you a simplified list of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
It is needed for healthy sight, skin and hair. Vitamin A also ensures the proper growth of the body. It is essential for pregnant women as it prevents maternal mortality. It is found abundantly in carrots, citrus, melons and sweet potatoes.
Vitamins, minerals and micronutrients are very essential for various bodily functions, including maintenance of health, metabolism and healthy tissues. If you encounter some symptoms of deficiency of any of these essential elements, always consult a physician and start taking supplements.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
These are needed for immunity, for producing energy, proper neural health, supple skin and iron absorption. Whole grains, pulses, beans, bananas and peppers.
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, strengthens blood vessels, provides elasticity to the skin and improves iron absorption. Citrus fruits, peppers, grapefruits, cantaloupe, kiwi, strawberries and guava are abundant in this vitamin.
This vitamin is needed for a healthy skeletal system. It regulates the calcium and phosphate quantities in the body. Spending some time in the sun daily is known to boost vitamin D levels in the body. Mushrooms are another excellent source of this vitamin.
Adding to the blog Vitamin H or biotin is very important for skin , nails and hair health and among the minerals selenium is also important as deficiency produces keshans disease. Zinc is a important mineral for children.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
This is a vital antioxidant and is essential for healthy skin, eyes and a robust immune system. It reduces the risk of developing dementia. Almonds, sunflower seeds and tomatoes are excellent sources of this vitamin.
The blood cannot clot without the presence of this vitamin. It helps in wound healing and for healthy bones. A balanced diet ensures that a sufficient quantity of vitamin K is maintained. Leafy greens, broccoli and kale are good sources of vitamin K.
It helps in the formation of red blood cells and reduces the risk of neural defects in the foetus, therefore is vital for pregnant women. Deficiency can lead to anaemia. Leafy greens, asparagus, beans, citrus, lentils, nuts and beetroot are good sources of folic acid.
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Iron is needed to maintain healthy blood and to build muscles naturally. Deficiency causes anaemia. Very high doses can be lethal. Leafy greens, soybeans, cereal, beans, lentils and pumpkin have a high amount of iron content.
Calcium is needed for proper muscle contraction, sharp teeth and bones and flexibility. Too much can prohibit iron absorption in the body. Good sources of calcium are dairy products and tofu.
Zinc is needed for proper growth, good immunity, and fertility. Beans, cashews and dark chocolate are rich in zinc.
Phosphorus helps in maintaining healthy bones and energy production.
Magnesium is also needed for energy production and strong bones. It helps release parathyroid hormones.
Also Read: What is Biotin? Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Its Role and Benefits
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
