| Iron Deficiency (medicine) |
Article Index for Iron Deficiency |
Website Links For Iron |
Information AboutIron Deficiency (medicine) |
INTRODUCTION Iron deficiency (or "sideropenia") is the most common known form of Nutritional Deficiency . In the Human body, Iron is present in all Cell s and has several vital functions -- as a carrier of Oxygen to the tissues from the Lung s in the form of Hemoglobin , as a facilitator of oxygen use and storage in the muscles as Myoglobin , as a transport medium for electrons within the cells in the form of Cytochrome s, and as an integral part of Enzyme reactions in various tissues. Too little iron can interfere with these vital functions and lead to Morbidity and Mortality . The direct consequence of iron deficiency is Iron Deficiency Anemia . Groups that are most prone to developing this disease are children, and Pre-menopausal women. Total body iron averages approximately 3.8 g in men and 2.3 g in women. There are several mechanisms that control Human Iron Metabolism and safeguard against iron deficiency. The main regulatory mechanism is situated in the gastrointestinal tract. When loss of iron is not sufficiently compensated by adequate intake after some time that is determined by the state of body iron storage, iron deficiency develops. CAUSES
SYMPTOMS Symptoms of iron deficiency are not characteristic, however the following may be present:
LIKELY LAB TEST RESULTS IN PEOPLE WITH IRON DEFICIENCY
As always, lab values have to be interpreted with the lab's Reference Values in mind and considering all aspects of the individual clinical situation. CONSEQUENCES Continued iron deficiency may lead to worsening anemia and fatigue. Thrombocytosis , or an elevated Platelet count, can also result. A lack of iron in the blood is a reason that some people cannot donate blood. TREATMENT Before any treatment is commenced there should be definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause for iron deficiency, particularly in older patients who are most susceptible to Colorectal Cancer . If the cause is benign, temporary or not easily treatable, people can receive Iron Supplements , e.g. in the form of Ferrous Sulfate tablets. EXTERNAL LINKS |
|
|