The normal level of serum iron in the blood of women. How to prepare for a blood test for iron? What can affect the performance? Signs of serum iron deficiency in a woman’s body

In children, iron deficiency causes growth and development delays.

In addition, iron deficiency can indicate very dangerous diseases, such as cancer. In this case, treatment with medications and other forms of therapy should be started as quickly as possible. Sometimes the cause is not related to the disease and is caused by insufficient intake of the element into the body along with food. In this case, the answer to the question of how to increase iron levels in the blood is simple: you need to adjust your diet. In this case, the use of medications is usually not required (unless the doctor may prescribe the use of vitamin-mineral complexes).

Functions of iron in the blood

It is believed that the total amount of iron in the human body ranges from two to seven grams, which depends on the gender, weight and age of the person. In its pure form, this substance is not found in the body: it is very toxic, so when a trace element enters the blood, most of it is bound by proteins. The remaining part of the iron is instantly converted into hemosiderin or ferritin (protein compounds), which are deposited in the tissues in the form of reserves, and when the body experiences a deficiency in the microelement, it extracts them from there.

The body itself does not produce iron: this trace element comes with food and is absorbed in the intestines (which is why low amounts of the trace element are often associated with intestinal tract problems). Iron then ends up in plasma, the liquid part of the blood.

Then about eighty percent of the trace element is included in hemoglobin, which is an integral part of the red blood cell. Here, iron is responsible for adding oxygen and carbon dioxide to hemoglobin. This microelement attaches oxygen to itself in the lungs. Then, as part of hemoglobin, which is located inside red blood cells, it is sent to the cells, transfers oxygen to them, and attaches carbon dioxide to itself. After this, the red blood cell is sent to the lungs, where the iron atoms easily part with carbon dioxide.

It is interesting that iron acquires the ability to attach and detach gases only when it is part of hemoglobin. Other compounds that contain this microelement do not have this ability.

About ten percent of iron is part of myoglobin, which is found in myocardial muscle and skeletal muscles. Myoglobin binds oxygen and stores it. If the body begins to experience oxygen starvation, this gas is extracted from myoglobin, passes into the muscles and participates in further reactions. Therefore, when for some reason the blood supply to any part of the muscle is disrupted, the muscle still receives oxygen for some time.

Iron is also part of other substances, and together with them participates in hematopoiesis, the production of DNA, and connective tissue. Takes part in lipid metabolism, oxidative reactions, regulates the neutralization of poisons by the liver, and promotes energy metabolism. The thyroid gland needs this element for the synthesis of hormones that are involved in many metabolic processes. The role of iron during pregnancy is important: the baby’s body uses it to build its tissues.

It has long been noted that a lack of iron in the body negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system. And all because this element is involved in the transmission of signals between brain cells. This microelement also increases the body’s resistance to disease and relieves fatigue. Therefore, when it is lacking, a person often feels powerless.

How much microelement should there be?

In the male body, the reserves of this microelement are higher than in women, and range from 500 to 1.5 thousand mg. For women, this figure ranges from 300 to 1 thousand mg. At the same time, doctors claim that the vast majority of the population has iron reserves at a minimum. That is why during pregnancy, when the body requires iron in large quantities, iron deficiency may occur, and doctors prescribe vitamin and mineral preparations for prevention.

To find out whether there is a lack of iron in the body, it is necessary to do a biochemical blood test. The material for the study is taken from a vein, then fibrinogen is removed from the plasma (so that the blood does not clot during the study), and serum is obtained. Such a sample is convenient to use when studying the composition of blood.

Thus, the norm of serum iron in the blood of a healthy person should correspond to the following values:

• up to 1 year: 7.16 – 17.9 µmol/l;
• from 1 to 14 years: 8.95 – 21.48 µmol/l;
• in women over 14 years of age, including during pregnancy: 8.95 – 30.43 µmol/l;
• in men after 14 years: 11.64 – 30.43 µmol/l.

In the female body, its amount is less than in men. In women of reproductive age, iron concentration depends on menstruation. In the second half of the cycle, the levels of this microelement reach their highest values; after menstruation, its level decreases significantly, which is associated with blood loss during menstruation.

During pregnancy, the iron content in the body should be at the same level as that of a non-pregnant woman.

But at the same time, the body’s need for this microelement increases, and therefore it is necessary to ensure that during pregnancy a sufficient amount of iron is supplied with food. This is due to the fact that not only the mother’s body needs this microelement, but also the baby’s. Therefore, at a certain stage of its development, it begins to very quickly take it in large quantities.

That is why the doctor recommends a special diet during pregnancy and also prescribes the use of special vitamin and mineral preparations. Thanks to this, the body is provided with all the necessary substances during pregnancy. After childbirth, the acute need for iron, as during pregnancy, disappears. But is it worth it to stop taking vitamin and mineral supplements, the doctor must say.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

When interpreting the results, it is very important to take into account what time of day the material was taken: the iron content in the body fluctuates greatly throughout the day. It is known that iron concentrations are higher in the morning than in the evening.

You should also know that the concentration of iron in the blood depends on many reasons: on the functioning of the intestines, on the amount of microelement reserves that are stored in the spleen, bone marrow and other organs, as well as on the production and breakdown of hemoglobin in the body. Iron leaves the body in different ways: with feces, urine, and even in nails and hair.

That is why, if the body does not have enough iron, disorders are observed in the functioning of many organs and systems. Therefore, microelement deficiency is indicated by the following symptoms:

• increased fatigue, feeling of weakness, fatigue;
• increased heartbeat, shortness of breath;
• irritability;
• dizziness;
• migraines;
• cold fingers and toes;
• pale skin, brittle nails, hair loss;
• pain or inflammation of the tongue;
• strong desire to move your legs (restless legs syndrome);
• poor appetite, craving for unusual foods.

If you notice such symptoms, you must take a test to determine the level of iron in the blood. If the study shows its deficiency, the reason must be found out as quickly as possible (especially if we are talking about pregnancy or a growing child’s body).

There is no need to be alarmed right away: in many situations, iron deficiency is caused by poor nutrition. For example, its deficiency is recorded in vegetarians, in people who adhere to a dairy diet (calcium interferes with the absorption of the microelement), as well as in those who are addicted to fatty foods. Also, the body has little iron during a fast. After correcting the diet and taking vitamin and mineral supplements, its concentration returns to normal.

A small amount of iron in the body may be due to the body’s increased need for this trace element. This primarily applies to small children under two years of age, adolescents, and women during pregnancy and lactation.

Sometimes iron deficiency can be triggered by stressful situations and a weakened nervous system. In this case, you need to put it in order and avoid stress.

Pathological causes

Iron deficiency can cause various diseases. Among them:

• Iron deficiency anemia, caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that interfere with the normal absorption of the microelement in the intestine. This could be gastritis, enteritis, enterocolitis, various tumors in the stomach and intestines, operations to remove part of the small intestine or stomach.
• The presence of inflammation, purulent-septic and other infections.
• Osteomyelitis (purulent infection affecting bone tissue).
• Myocardial infarction.
• An increased amount of iron-containing pigment hemosiderin (formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin or with intensive absorption of iron from the intestine).
• A problem with the synthesis of the hormone erythropoietin in the kidneys due to chronic renal failure or other diseases of this organ.
• Rheumatism.
• Iron is excreted quickly in the urine due to nephrotic syndrome.
• Bleeding of various types.
• Enhanced hematopoiesis, which uses iron.
• Cirrhosis.
• Benign and oncological tumors, especially fast-growing ones.
• Stagnation of bile in the biliary tract.
• Deficiency of vitamin C, which promotes the absorption of iron.

Due to the fact that iron deficiency can be caused by various reasons, if a lack of a microelement is detected, the doctor will refer you for further examination. You need to go through it as quickly as possible, since among the diseases that cause iron deficiency in the blood, there are deadly ailments. And only then, according to the results of the analysis, will he prescribe treatment and prescribe the necessary medications.

The importance of diet

To increase iron in the blood, it is very important not only to take prescribed medications, but also to pay attention to your diet. A menu aimed at increasing iron levels in the blood should include the consumption of lean beef, lamb, veal, rabbit, fish, turkey or goose. Pork contains little trace element, so nutritionists do not recommend using it to increase iron. The liver, which is a hematopoietic organ, is well suited to increase this microelement in the blood. But it should be consumed in moderation, since it is also responsible for neutralizing toxins.

Buckwheat, oatmeal, beans, nuts, and oysters help increase iron in the blood. The diet should contain fresh vegetables and fruits, which contain not only iron, but also vitamin C, which promotes the absorption of this microelement.

It is important to understand that diet alone is not enough to increase iron in the blood if the problem is caused by illness. Even if the food contains the required amount of a microelement, this will not be enough if the body does not absorb it enough due to illness or there are problems due to which the microelement is consumed in increased quantities.

Therefore, it is very important to follow all the doctor’s instructions, take the medications prescribed by him, including following the dosage. Under no circumstances should you increase or decrease the dose of medications on your own.

Blood test for serum iron - interpretation of results, normal values ​​for men, women and children

This substance plays an important role in the life support of the body. In human blood there is so-called bound serum iron, which for various reasons can increase or decrease, which, as a rule, indicates the presence of a variety of pathological conditions. Find out what this element is and what its significance is for the body.

What is serum iron

The correct ratio of all substances necessary for a person is the key to good health. At the same time, iron (Fe) is considered one of the most important metals for the body. This microelement is part of pigment proteins, cytochromes and acts as a coenzyme for many chemical reactions. The body contains about 4-7 mg of iron. In the bone marrow, liver and spleen, Fe is found in the form of intracellular ferritin. Only the plasma concentration of this protein complex is a reliable reflection of metal reserves.

Serum ferritin serves as a kind of “iron depot”, which is used both in case of excess and deficiency of this microelement. In tissues, Fe is in the form of hemosiderin. Serum iron is determined in combination with the transport protein transferrin. This complex is used by the body as needed, while tissue and intracellular reserves remain untouched.

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Functions

Iron is of paramount importance for the body. In plasma, this element is complexed with a transport protein. Thanks to this “tandem”, free oxygen entering during breathing is bound, which is subsequently supplied to all organs and tissues. Iron in serum is involved in many energy processes and redox reactions:

• DNA synthesis;
• cholesterol metabolism;
• process of hematopoiesis;
• detoxification processes.

Serum iron norm

When assessing the serum concentration of a microelement, the nutritional-dependent nature of this indicator should be taken into account. Iron enters the body with food, so a moderate decrease in the concentration of bound transferrin during a non-strict diet or taking drugs that interfere with the absorption of Fe is considered a physiological phenomenon that can easily be eliminated by correcting the diet.

If severe iron deficiency is detected, appropriate drug treatment is prescribed. It is worth considering that in the morning the serum contains slightly more of this microelement than in the evening. With all this, serum Fe may vary in patients belonging to different age categories.

Among women

In the body of representatives of the fairer sex, iron metabolism occurs under the influence of constantly changing hormonal levels, therefore the norm of serum iron in the blood of women is slightly underestimated and is about 10.7-21.5 µmol/l, which is mainly due to menstruation. During pregnancy, plasma Fe levels can also decrease significantly. So, during gestation, this indicator should not fall below 10.0 µmol/l.

In men

Subject to a balanced diet and adherence to a daily routine, iron reserves in the stronger sex are consumed optimally. A decrease in ferritin inside cells in men occurs as a result of liver disease, which often occurs against the background of abuse (or even poisoning) of alcoholic beverages and their surrogates. The normal level of serum iron in men ranges from 14.0 to 30.4 µmol/l.

In children

The Fe content in the blood of young patients varies depending on their age, weight and height. Children under one year old who are exclusively breastfed are susceptible to a slight decrease in hemoglobin. This fact is due to the limited content of so-called heme iron in the body of babies, which is not a cause for concern. The norm of serum Fe in children under one year of age is 7-18 µmol/l, and in older children this figure can reach 9-21 µmol/l.

Serum iron is low

Most patients tend to suffer from Fe deficiency. This condition often manifests itself as a latent deficiency. In other cases, iron deficiency is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. People suffering from anemia experience severe headaches, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Serum Fe in such patients is less than 9 µmol/L. The reasons for the decrease in iron concentration are as follows:

• chronic diseases;
• malnutrition and vitamin deficiency;
• renal failure;
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• pregnancy, lactation;
• destruction of red blood cells;
• impaired iron absorption in intestinal diseases;
• oncology.

Serum iron increased

This condition is very rare. In patients with high levels of plasma iron, or hemochromatosis, yellowing of the eyeballs and skin, heart rhythm disturbances, and weight loss are noted. During instrumental studies, such patients are found to have liver enlargement, myocardial dystrophy, and pancreatic dysfunction. Excess iron (about mol/l) negatively affects the functioning of all organs and systems. Iron in the blood serum is increased, as a rule, against the background of the following pathologies:

• subcutaneous hemorrhages;
• primary hemochromatosis;
• taking iron-containing medications;
• metabolic disorders;
• lack of folic acid;
• chronic liver diseases.

Blood test for serum iron

This laboratory test is prescribed not only for patients with various pathologies, but also for ordinary patients during an annual preventive examination. The degree of iron absorption directly affects the functioning of the entire body, therefore it is very important to periodically check the accumulation of this element. This is especially true for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What does it show

Plasma iron is in a bound state. Diagnosis of anemia is based on determining the concentration of transferrin. The iron-binding ability of serum is reflected by the so-called TIBI index. In order to identify tissue deficiency, the ferritin content inside cells is determined. Any abnormalities identified during a biochemical blood test are grounds for prescribing additional laboratory tests.

How to take it

Considering that early morning is characterized by slightly increased serum Fe, experts recommend checking the degree of saturation with this element a little later. As a rule, plasma testing for iron content is carried out from 8 to 10 am. The test is taken on an empty stomach. The day before blood sampling, you should refrain from eating fatty foods and drinking alcohol.

How to increase serum iron in the blood

Loss of protein (enzymes) and lack of vitamins negatively affects the absorption of Fe, so if you are on a strict diet, pay special attention to eating foods rich in this microelement (meat, liver, eggs, sea fish). In case of significant iron deficiency, tablets are prescribed. The intestines absorb about 1 g of Fe. Excess is excreted through sweat and feces. By eating a balanced diet, you provide your body with approximately 15 mg of heme (easily absorbed) iron.

The human body contains many chemical elements used for life. Although some are not even a tenth of a percent, they are all important for the functioning of the body. One of these elements is iron, which plays an important role in oxygen transport, metabolism and other body processes.

The role of iron in the body

The human body contains from 3.5 to 4.5 grams of iron. This element is used in many life processes. But at the same time, a third of it is stored in organs and muscles, and the rest in the blood. Iron performs several tasks in the body.

• Oxygen transport
• Hormone synthesis
• Energy metabolism of the cell
• Metabolism
• Filtration of harmful substances in the liver
• Synthesis of immune system cells
• Other functions where this element is involved in some way.

There are many such moments in the body, because the entire human body is based on iron.

The main task of this element is to transport and store oxygen. It underlies hemoglobin, which makes up red blood cells. This element allows you to bind oxygen molecules during inhalation, which will allow you to transfer them to any part of the body. With its help, saturated red blood cells circulate throughout the body, nourishing muscles, organs and tissues. At the same time, it takes in carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the body.

But iron is also necessary for oxygen storage. It is based on myoglobin, which is responsible for the accumulation and distribution of oxygen during muscle work.

Iron plays an important role in metabolism. The enzymes used in these processes use iron as a basis for their work. It is used in DNA synthesis and is therefore necessary during cell division and growth. Without this element, protein metabolism, an important process of the body, is impossible.

The thyroid gland also requires iron to function.

On its basis, hormones are synthesized that regulate many metabolic processes in the body. This element is also used in the production of connective tissue, participates in the synthesis of immune system cells and the production of brain impulse transmitters.

Iron is an essential element for the human body, because it is involved in many of its processes. This is the basis for the transport and storage of oxygen, the synthesis of many hormones and cells, metabolism and other tasks. Therefore, maintaining its level will keep these processes in working order.

Learn more about iron in the body from this video.

Iron level analysis

The proportion of this element in the body is determined by tests. They allow you to detect the iron content in the blood and, based on this, determine its exact volume in the body. For this task, a biochemical blood test is used.

The test procedure is similar to a regular blood test. For this purpose, working material is taken from a vein and appropriate research is carried out.

Among the prerequisites for the analysis, the following are noted:

• Diagnosis of anemia
• Hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders
• If you suspect poisoning with iron-containing products
• In case of dietary disorder
• To assess the patient's condition

The colorimetric method is used to determine iron content. This is a fast and easy method, but its accuracy is not always high. However, it is enough to determine the level of iron, because it will reveal the main fluctuations within the normal range or its deviation.

A biochemical analysis is used to determine the level of iron in the blood. To do this, material is taken from a vein and checked using the colorimetric method. Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, food is prohibited 8-12 hours before visiting the doctor.

Any deviation from the standards written above is harmful to the body and needs urgent correction.

Iron deficiency: symptoms

Low iron levels are a clear sign of malnutrition. A strict vegetarian diet often leads to this, because a large proportion of this element comes with meat and fish. It is not found in dairy products, although there are plenty of other useful substances there.

Lack of iron in the body significantly affects its functioning and well-being.

Common symptoms that appear during this period include:

Also, a sign of a lack of this element may be urinary incontinence and decreased emotional tone. The child has disturbances in the genitourinary system - enuresis occurs.

The lack of this element manifests itself in a disruption in the body's oxygen supply, which significantly affects many of its functions.

In the absence of appropriate treatment for a long time, the body is exposed to:

• Increased fatigue
• Developmental delay
• Anemia
• Pathological changes in tissues and organs
• Weakening of the immune system

Soon a person begins to be exposed to various infections and diseases, which significantly weakens the body and reduces the likelihood of effective treatment. Therefore, against the background of iron deficiency, diseases arise that lead to disruption of life. They may remain even after the deficiency is filled.

During periods of iron deficiency, hair, nails, skin, and mucous membranes often suffer.

Reduced iron levels provoke the development of various dermatitis, eczema and other diseases that affect the skin. A deficiency of the element can lead to low blood pressure, regular dizziness and increased heart rate.

Iron deficiency is a dangerous factor that affects many body processes. It significantly affects the condition of the skin, and subsequently manifests itself as a violation of oxygen exchange and cell nutrition. A person is exposed to increased fatigue, anemia, weakened immunity and diseases against the background of such weakness of the body.

Excess iron: symptoms

The human body constantly contains iron. But only part of it is used in constant work. A third of this element is a permanent reserve and is stored in body tissues. Although the body regulates iron levels, disruption of the intestinal mucosa can cause an excess of iron. After all, it is with the exfoliated epithelium that the excess of this substance is removed.

Although the process is rarely disrupted, if there is a problem in the system of accumulation and excretion of iron, the following process occurs - the intestines can no longer regulate the content of the element, which leads to its continuous absorption into the blood. This process leads to an excess of iron, which is medically called hemochromatosis.

Among the first symptoms of this body condition are:

• Redness of the skin and mucous membranes
• Pain in the right hypochondrium
• Decreased red blood cell count
• Increases hemoglobin to 130 micromol per liter

Headaches, loss of appetite, stomach pain and constipation are also noted. Excess affects many organs, but it especially affects the functioning of the liver, heart and pancreas. Excess iron in the body is reflected by pain in the joints.

Since excess iron disrupts the functioning of the liver, heart and pancreas, symptoms may include weight loss, changes in skin color, pigment spots and other factors that appear when there are problems with these organs.

An excess of iron is much more dangerous than a lack of it. An excess of this element affects the functioning of many functions and organs, destroying the body from the inside. Redness of the skin, a decrease in the number of red blood cells, weakness and soreness of the body are a small part of the possible symptoms. This disease can only be detected by a blood test, because the symptoms show disturbances in the functioning of organs.

Iron in food

Diet is the main way to stabilize the body. Since it is not easy to increase iron in the body by other methods, proper nutrition will allow you to get the necessary element. Medical methods are also acceptable, but they should be used only when absolutely necessary.

Iron is easy to obtain from food. Meat is optimal for this. Although plant sources provide the body with abundant vitamins and nutrients, iron from meat is absorbed much better. If for vegetables the percentage of iron intake is 5, then for animal sources it can reach 35.

Among the optimal sources of iron for the body are:

You should not rely on dairy products or vegetables, because they are extremely difficult to compensate for the lack of iron. If the patient follows an exclusively vegetarian diet, then special medications are suitable for him.

For high-quality absorption of iron, the following elements are necessary:

With a comprehensive diet, they can be obtained from the same foods, increasing the efficiency of iron accumulation.

The absorption of the element is also facilitated by an acidic environment and the presence of animal proteins.

They are more suitable for our body, so they are quickly and effectively accepted by it.

To replenish iron in the body, a special diet based on iron-containing foods is used. Among them are various meats, liver, chicken eggs and fish. It is extremely difficult to get this element from vegetables and dairy products, because the share of digestible material there is minimal. Therefore, in your diet it is better to prefer products of animal origin or limit yourself to special preparations.

Preparations with iron

In medicines, iron is available in two forms - divalent and trivalent. The first group is accepted by the body much better than the second, so it is used in preparations taken orally (with food). The second form is more often used for injections.

For effective absorption of the drug, it is necessary to create appropriate conditions in the stomach. For this purpose, additional substances are prescribed that promote the secretion of gastric juice, and other substances for better absorption of iron into the body.

Among the drugs used for oral administration are:

• Hemopher Prolongatum. The active ingredient is ferrous sulfate.
• Tardiferon. Long-acting substance with ferrous sulfate. Comes in combination with mucoprotease and ascorbic acid.
• Ferronal. The basis is iron gluconate.
• Heferol. Uses fumaric acid as a base.

But there are a lot of drugs taken with food to replenish iron deficiency. They differ in the main element, additional substances, action and other characteristics.

There is less choice among injection drugs:

The doctor can prescribe them at his discretion, based on the current condition of the patient's body. It is important to avoid self-medication with these drugs. The body cannot cope with excess iron in such cases, because it arrives too quickly. This can lead to an allergic reaction and an excess of the element.

Medicines can help treat iron deficiency. This is iron in concentrated form, taken orally or by injection. But it is important to control the dosage and consult a doctor, because self-medication is dangerous.

Iron is an important element in the body. Although its proportion is extremely small, it is involved in many body processes. Therefore, its excess or excess affects a person, significantly worsening his condition. You can control the content of this element in the body with an appropriate diet or medications, which will allow the body to work without disturbances.

Iron in the body: norms in the blood, low and high in the analysis - causes and treatment

The human body contains almost all the elements of D. I. Mendeleev’s table, but not all of them carry such biological significance as iron. Iron in the blood is most concentrated in red blood cells - erythrocytes, namely, in their important component - hemoglobin: heme (Fe ++) + protein (globin).

A certain amount of this chemical element is permanently present in plasma and tissues - as a complex compound with the protein transferrin and as part of ferritin and hemosiderin. The normal adult body should have 4 to 7 grams of iron. The loss of an element for any reason leads to an iron deficiency condition called anemia. To identify this pathology, laboratory diagnostics include a test such as the determination of serum iron, or iron in the blood, as the patients themselves say.

Normal level of iron in the body

In blood serum, iron is found in complex with a protein that binds and transports it – transferrin (25% Fe). Typically, the reason for calculating the concentration of an element in the blood serum (serum iron) is a low level of hemoglobin, which, as is known, is one of the main parameters of a general blood test.

The level of iron in the blood fluctuates throughout the day, its average concentration for men and women is different and is: 14.10 µmol per liter of male blood and 10.70 - 21.50 µmol/l in women. Such differences are largely due to the menstrual cycle, which affects only individuals of a certain gender. With age, the differences disappear, the amount of the element decreases in both men and women, and iron deficiency can be observed to the same extent in both sexes. The level of iron in the blood of infants, as well as children and adults, male and female, is different, therefore, to make it more convenient for the reader, it is better to present it in the form of a small table:

However, it should be borne in mind that, like other biochemical indicators, normal blood iron levels may vary slightly from one source to another. In addition, we consider it useful to remind the reader of the rules for passing the analysis:

• Blood is donated on an empty stomach (it is advisable to fast for 12 hours);
• A week before the study, pills for the treatment of IDA are discontinued;
• After a blood transfusion, the analysis is postponed for several days.

To determine the level of iron in the blood, serum is used as a biological material, that is, blood is taken without an anticoagulant into a dry new tube that never comes into contact with detergents.

Functions of iron in the blood and biological significance of the element

Why is so much attention paid to iron in the blood, why is this element considered a vital component, and why can’t a living organism survive without it? It's all about the functions that the hardware performs:

1. Ferrum (heme of hemoglobin) concentrated in the blood is involved in tissue respiration;
2. The microelement found in the muscles (as part of myoglobin) ensures the normal functioning of skeletal muscles.

The main functions of iron in the blood coincide with one of the main tasks of the blood itself and the hemoglobin it contains. Blood (erythrocytes and hemoglobin) takes oxygen that enters the lungs from the external environment and transports it to the most remote corners of the human body, and carries out carbon dioxide formed as a result of tissue respiration for removal from the body.

scheme: myshared, Efremova S.A.

Thus, iron plays a key role in the respiratory activity of hemoglobin, and this applies only to the divalent ion (Fe++). The conversion of ferrous iron to ferric iron and the formation of a very strong compound called methemoglobin (MetHb) occurs under the influence of strong oxidizing agents. Degeneratively altered red blood cells containing MetHb begin to break down (hemolysis), and therefore cannot perform their respiratory functions - a state of acute hypoxia sets in for the body tissues.

A person himself does not know how to synthesize this chemical element; iron is brought into his body by food products: meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. However, it is difficult for us to absorb iron from plant sources, but vegetables and fruits containing large quantities of ascorbic acid increase the absorption of the microelement from animal products by 2–3 times.

Fe is absorbed in the duodenum and along the small intestine, and a deficiency of iron in the body promotes enhanced absorption, and an excess causes a blockage of this process. The large intestine does not absorb iron. During the day, we absorb an average of 2 - 2.5 mg of Fe, but the female body needs almost 2 times more of this element than the male, because monthly losses are quite noticeable (1 mg of iron is lost from 2 ml of blood).

Increased content

An increased iron content in a biochemical blood test, just like a deficiency of the element in serum, indicates certain pathological conditions of the body.

Given that we have a mechanism that prevents the absorption of excess iron, an increase in iron may be due to the formation of ferrum as a result of pathological reactions somewhere in the body (increased breakdown of red blood cells and the release of iron ions) or a breakdown of the mechanism that regulates intake. An increase in iron levels makes you suspect:

• Anemia of various origins (hemolytic, aplastic, B12, folate deficiency, thalassemia);
• Excessive absorption in the gastrointestinal tract due to a violation of the limiting mechanism (hemochromatosis).
• Hemosiderosis caused by multiple blood transfusions or overdose of ferrum-containing drugs used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency conditions (intramuscular or intravenous administration).
• Failure of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow at the stage of incorporation of iron into erythrocyte precursor cells (sideroachrestic anemia, lead poisoning, use of oral contraceptives).
• Liver lesions (viral and acute hepatitis of any origin, acute liver necrosis, chronic cholecystitis, various hepatopathies).

When determining iron in the blood, one should keep in mind cases where the patient has been receiving iron-containing tablets for a long time (2–3 months).

Lack of iron in the body

Due to the fact that we ourselves do not produce this microelement, we often do not pay attention to the nutrition and composition of the products we consume (as long as it is tasty), over time our body begins to experience iron deficiency.

Fe deficiency is accompanied by various symptoms of anemia: headache, dizziness, spots before the eyes, pale and dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails and many other troubles. A low level of iron in the blood can be due to many reasons:

1. Nutritional deficiency that develops as a result of low intake of the element from food (preference for vegetarianism or, conversely, a passion for fatty foods that do not contain iron, or a transition to a dairy diet containing calcium and preventing the absorption of Fe).
2. The body's high needs for any microelements (children under 2 years of age, adolescents, pregnant women and nursing mothers) lead to a reduced level of them in the blood (this applies primarily to iron).
3. Iron deficiency anemia as a result of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that prevent the normal absorption of iron in the intestine: gastritis with reduced secretory ability, enteritis, enterocolitis, neoplasms in the stomach and intestines, surgical interventions with resection of the stomach or part of the small intestine (resorption deficiency).
4. Redistribution deficiency against the background of inflammatory, purulent-septic and other infections, rapidly growing tumors, osteomyelitis, rheumatism, myocardial infarction (absorption of iron from plasma by cellular elements of the mononuclear phagocytic system) - in a blood test the amount of Fe will, of course, be reduced.
5. Excessive accumulation of hemosiderin in the tissues of internal organs (hemosiderosis) leads to a low level of iron in the plasma, which is very noticeable when examining the patient's serum.
6. Lack of erythropoietin production in the kidneys as a manifestation of chronic renal failure (CRF) or other kidney pathology.
7. Increased excretion of iron in urine in nephrotic syndrome.
8. The cause of low iron content in the blood and the development of IDA can be prolonged bleeding (nose, gum, during menstruation, from hemorrhoids, etc.).
9. Active hematopoiesis with significant use of the element.
10. Cirrhosis, liver cancer. Other malignant and some benign (uterine fibroids) tumors.
11. Stagnation of bile in the biliary tract (cholestasis) with the development of obstructive jaundice.
12. Lack of ascorbic acid in the diet, which promotes the absorption of iron from other foods.

How to increase?

In order to increase the level of iron in the blood, you need to accurately identify the reason for its decrease. After all, you can consume as many microelements as you like with food, but all efforts will be in vain if their absorption is impaired.

Thus, we will only ensure transit through the gastrointestinal tract, but will not find out the true reason for the low Fe content in the body, so first you need to undergo a comprehensive examination and listen to the recommendations of your doctor.

And we can only advise increasing it with an iron-rich diet:

• Consumption of meat products (veal, beef, hot lamb, rabbit). Poultry meat is not particularly rich in the element, but if you have to choose, turkey and goose are better choices. Pork lard contains absolutely no iron, so it is not worth considering.
• There is a lot of Fe in the liver of various animals, which is not surprising, it is a hematopoietic organ, but at the same time, the liver is a detoxification organ, so excessive consumption may not be beneficial.
• There is little or no iron in eggs, but they contain a high content of vitamins B12, B1 and phospholipids.

• Buckwheat is recognized as the best cereal for the treatment of IDA.
• Cottage cheese, cheeses, milk, white bread, being calcium-containing products, inhibit the absorption of iron, so these products should be consumed separately from a diet aimed at combating low ferrum levels.
• To increase the absorption of the element in the intestines, you will have to dilute the protein diet with vegetables and fruits containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is concentrated in large quantities in citrus fruits (lemon, orange) and sauerkraut. In addition, some plant foods themselves are rich in iron (apples, prunes, peas, beans, spinach), but iron is absorbed very limitedly from foods of non-animal origin.

When increasing iron through diet, you don't have to worry about getting too much of it. This will not happen, because we have a mechanism that will not allow excessive increases, if, of course, it works correctly.

Serum iron: normal, increased, decreased. Serum iron during pregnancy

Serum iron is a vital trace element that ensures the binding, transport and transmission of oxygen to tissues, and also participates in the processes of tissue respiration.

Functions of serum iron

The total amount of iron contained in the human body reaches 4-5 grams. Of course, it is difficult to find in its pure form, but it is part of such porphyrin compounds as hemoglobin (up to 80% of its total amount), myoglobin (5-10%), cytochromes, as well as the myeloenzymes myeloperoxidase and catalase. Up to 25% of iron in the body is not used and is considered a reserve, being in the depot (spleen, liver, bone marrow) in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin. Heme iron, which mainly performs the function of reversibly binding oxygen and transporting it to tissues, is predominantly found in enzymes. In addition, iron is directly involved in a number of redox reactions, the process of hematopoiesis, collagen synthesis and the activity of the immune system.

Entry routes

Iron enters the body primarily through food. The product with the highest content is meat, namely beef. Other foods rich in this microelement are liver, fish, buckwheat, beans, and eggs. Vitamin C, which is found in fresh greens and other plant foods, promotes optimal absorption of iron (which is why nutritionists recommend serving fresh vegetables with meat). Of the amount that comes with food, as a rule, from 10 to 15% is absorbed. Absorption occurs in the duodenum. That is why, most often, low serum iron is the result of various pathologies of the intestinal tract. Its concentration also depends on the amount of deposited iron stored in the spleen, intestines, bone marrow, and on the level of synthesis and breakdown of hemoglobin in the body. Physiological losses of the microelement occur in feces, urine, sweat, as well as in nails and hair.

Serum iron: normal

Iron is one of those microelements whose levels change throughout the day. In the morning, its indicators are higher, and in the evening they decrease. In addition, they depend on the age and gender of the person. Serum iron in women, as a rule, is lower than in men, and its concentration is directly related to the menstrual cycle (in the luteal phase its content is maximum, and after menstruation its levels decrease). Stress, overwork and lack of sleep also affect the level of this microelement.

Serum iron, the norm of which in men is 11.64–30.43, and in women - 8.95–30.43 µmol/liter, also varies depending on the time of day. Its maximum concentration is recorded in the morning, and during the day the levels decrease. In infants under one year old, the range of 7.16–17.90 is considered normal. For children from one to fourteen years of age, the norm is 8.95–21.48.

Serum iron during pregnancy, especially in the second half, is slightly reduced. This is due to the formation of organs in the fetus. In general, its level should not fall below 10 (otherwise it will be considered anemia) and exceed 30 µmol/liter.

Serum iron low

Despite the relative instability of the level of this indicator in the blood, its study is very important for differential diagnosis and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of pathologies such as anemia, which are the most common human diseases. They can occur either unnoticed or cause severe disturbances in the functioning of the body. In some cases, anemia can be fatal. Externally, a decrease in iron levels is manifested by general weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. In addition, fragility of hair and nail plates, cracks in the corners of the mouth, disturbances of taste and smell are noted. The skin is pale, dry, an unmotivated low-grade fever is possible (the temperature rises to 37-37.5).

Causes of decreased serum iron

Serum iron in blood plasma can decrease for many reasons. Some of them are caused by external factors, while others are a consequence of internal changes. The most common of them are the following:

iron deficiency anemia - the disease can be caused by chronic blood loss, lack of iron intake into the body or impaired iron absorption;

chronic systemic diseases - lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, endocarditis, Crohn's disease;

resection of the intestine or stomach;

Increased content (hemochromatosis)

Elevated serum iron is a rather serious pathology, the consequence of which can be the development of many life-threatening conditions, including the development of oncological processes in the liver and intestines. Symptomatic manifestations are similar to those of hepatitis. Yellowness of the skin appears, the liver enlarges, weight loss occurs, and arrhythmias begin. Due to the fact that excess iron is deposited in organs such as the heart and pancreas, disruptions in their normal functioning begin. In addition, hemochromatosis can result in the development of pathologies such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Reasons for the increase

An increased iron content in the blood plasma can be caused by a pathology such as hereditary hemochromatosis, in which it is highly absorbed from incoming food. Its excess is deposited in various organs, causing various disturbances in their functioning. The following factors can also cause an increase in the amount of serum iron:

thalassemia is a pathology in which the structure of hemoglobin changes;

blood transfusion in large quantities;

In children, hemochromatosis can cause acute poisoning with iron supplements.

How to get tested?

Blood is drawn from a vein in the morning. At least eight hours must have passed since your last meal. It is not advisable to chew chewing gum or brush your teeth before taking the test. The following factors may influence the reliability of the data obtained:

Taking even one iron-containing tablet can significantly increase iron concentration;

oral contraceptives and alcohol also increase the level of the microelement;

Metformin, testosterone and aspirin in large doses reduce iron concentrations;

consuming cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) even two days before the upcoming test also increases concentration;

Menstruation, lack of sleep, and stressful situations reduce iron levels.

Serum iron – role and norm for women. Signs of deficiency and how to make up for the deficiency

For the normal functioning of all organs, the body requires regular saturation of cells with many nutrients.

Fats, carbohydrates and proteins are needed, as well as micro- and macroelements. One of the most important among them is iron. 20 g of this substance should enter the human body every day with food.

The role of serum iron in a woman’s body

The trace element is present in the blood in combination with other compounds, and not in free form.

About 80% of all iron is contained in hemoglobin; it is part of red blood cells. These blood particles are designed to carry oxygen to tissues as well as internal organs.

Up to 25% of the microelement is contained in reserve in the form of protein compounds in the spleen, bone marrow, and liver.

And a small part of iron, only 3-4 mg, is contained in the blood serum in combination with the transport protein transferrin, which delivers this important element to the tissues.

The degree of saturation of the body with iron is shown by an analysis called in medicine “serum iron norm”.

The norm of this microelement for women plays an important role in the functioning of processes such as:

• oxygen transfer and tissue respiration;
• ensuring normal hematopoietic processes;
• formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin;
• participation in the complete absorption of vitamin B;
• regulation of immunity;
• neutralization of harmful substances in the liver;
• maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nail plates.

Serum iron levels for women

The result of the study shows the concentration of iron in the blood and allows us to evaluate the metabolic processes in which this microelement takes part.

The serum iron norm for women ranges from 8.95 to 30.43 µmol/l. This is slightly lower than the male rate, which is due to monthly physiological blood loss during menstruation.

If the analysis shows that the iron level is below the minimum normal limit, it means that the body is experiencing a lack of this element.

Serum iron levels for pregnant women

Doctors pay special attention to serum iron levels in pregnant women. In the second and third trimester, the concentration of metal in the blood often decreases.

This physiological process is associated with a large consumption of iron for the intensive formation of the internal organs and glands of the fetus and its circulatory system.

The amount of microelement supplied with food should increase to 30 mg per day.

During pregnancy, serum iron plays an important role in the development of the unborn child and the health of the woman. The norm for pregnant women is the same as for everyone else, that is, 8.95-30.43 µmol/l.

If the indicator is lower, the doctor concludes that the body is deficient in this microelement. In this case, metal replenishment is required for the proper process of hematopoiesis.

Serum iron levels in pregnant women in pathological cases may deviate upward.

Serum iron is important for the functioning of the body. The norm for women may change during pregnancy, so you need to carefully monitor this.

With a high concentration of a microelement in the serum, the blood becomes thicker, oxygen is less well transferred to the internal organs of the child and woman.

Be careful! With elevated iron levels, yellowing of the skin and enlargement of the liver are observed. A pregnant woman loses weight, disturbances in the functioning of the heart occur, and cramps occur in the woman’s calf muscles.

Red blood cells become denser, which threatens oxygen starvation. When serum iron levels are critical, doctors suspect dangerous malfunctions.

Signs of serum iron deficiency in a woman’s body

Often a woman at the initial stage of iron deficiency does not notice any significant changes in the body.

After carefully observing her condition, she will notice the following symptoms:

• dizziness and headaches;
• irritability;
• depressive states;
• cold fingers and toes;
• fatigue, lethargy, apathy;
• memory impairment;
• poor appetite, craving for unusual foods and smells;
• muscle pain;
• insomnia;
• brittle nails;
• dullness and thinning of hair;
• cracks and jams in the corners of the lips.

Note! If there are signs indicating that a woman’s serum iron is below normal, she should consult a doctor for a general blood test.

Causes of serum iron deficiency in women

If, as a result of a biochemical analysis, a lack of iron in the blood serum is detected, the doctor examines the patient, interviews him, and prescribes additional tests if necessary.

In order to prevent the development of irreversible processes, it is important to make the correct diagnosis in a short time.

The most common causes of low serum iron in women are:

• Diet, especially vegetarian and unbalanced nutrition. Raising serum iron to standard levels for women is not difficult. No medications will be required.
• The content of microelements in blood serum is reduced by stress, heavy physical activity and emotional stress.
• Large blood losses as a result of surgical interventions, injuries, childbirth, heavy menstruation, donation.

Serious pathologies also lead to serum iron deficiency:

• diseases of the hematopoietic organs: bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen;
• chronic kidney and liver diseases;
• endocrine diseases;
• pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract;
• metabolic disease;
• benign and malignant tumors.

Be careful! Identified dangerous pathologies require immediate treatment.

Preparing for a blood test for serum iron

If the hemoglobin level is low, the doctor prescribes a serum iron test for the patient.

According to doctors, serum iron is the most accurate indicator of the amount of metal in the body.

The result of the analysis is influenced by:

• Time of day - the maximum concentration of iron is found in the morning, during the day it decreases, and in the evening it reaches a minimum;
• Oral contraceptives, estrogens and alcoholic drinks - increase iron levels;
• Cycle phase – before menstruation the concentration of the microelement increases, and during and immediately after it decreases;
• Taking medications containing iron can significantly increase its concentration in the blood;
• With stress and chronic lack of sleep, iron levels are reduced;
• Some groups of antibiotics, metformin and aspirin, reduce it;
• Vitamin B12 – leads to an increase in the indicator.

You should come to the laboratory in the morning without eating 12 hours before the test. You are allowed to drink water. Blood is taken from a vein.

How to increase serum iron levels in the body

To bring serum iron levels back to normal, the doctor prescribes iron supplements to the woman and foods with large amounts of the missing microelement.

In addition, it will be useful to use traditional medicine recipes.

Therapy with iron supplements

After a blood test, the doctor, if necessary, prescribes iron supplements.

Pharmacies sell a large number of tablets, syrups, capsules, but only a doctor can choose the right medicine and dosage.

It must be borne in mind that for a lasting result, iron-containing preparations should be taken for at least 2 months. If oral medications do not show the required level of serum iron, the doctor prescribes injections.

Foods and nutrition rules

Iron is lost from the human body as a result of exfoliation of the cells of the upper layer of skin, and is excreted through sweat and feces. By eating a balanced diet, a person receives 15 mg of iron daily. From this volume, about 1 mg is absorbed by the intestines.

Reduced metal content can be corrected by introducing the following foods into the diet:

• beef, lamb, chicken, turkey;
• beef and pork liver, beef tongue;
• river and sea fish;
• legumes and soybeans;
• buckwheat, oat and millet groats;
• black bread;
• parsley and dill;
• blueberry;
• dried apricots, prunes;
• apples, persimmons, pomegranates, plums;
• nuts.

Heme iron, which is found exclusively in foods of animal origin, is better absorbed.

This way the microelement will be better absorbed. After eating a meal rich in iron, it is useful to drink a glass of apple or orange juice.

Important to remember! Calcium contained in dairy products interferes with the absorption of iron. Foods rich in iron and calcium should be divided according to the time of intake; the minimum interval should be 2 hours.

Traditional recipes for increasing serum iron

With low serum iron levels, adherents of traditional medicine advise women to use recipes made from natural products:

• Mix 200 ml each of lemon, carrot and beet juice, add 200 ml glass of cognac and honey. Stir with a wooden spatula. Drink 15 ml (1 tablespoon) 3 times throughout the day. Store the container with the drink in the refrigerator;
• Dried dill – 1 tbsp. spoon and the same amount of dried parsley pour 1 liter of boiling water. Leave for an hour. Take at any time several times a day;
• Pour 1 spoon of rose hips and the same amount of rowan into a thermos with 500 ml of boiling water. You can drink it after 2 hours by adding sugar/honey;
• Grind in equal parts: raisins, prunes, walnuts, dried apricots. Squeeze a small lemon and 1 part honey. You need to take 2 tbsp. spoons with tea daily;
• Pour 150 ml of boiling water over fresh or dried clover inflorescences and leave for half an hour. Strain the cooled drink. Take 50 ml before breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Note! The use of infusions and drinks is acceptable as an addition to drug therapy, but it does not replace iron-containing medications.

Serum iron is an important microelement that ensures the normal functioning of all internal organs for a woman.

For expectant mothers, it is especially important to monitor and maintain metal levels in the blood. A change in content indicates pathology.

The doctor conducts an additional examination to clarify the diagnosis and prescribes medication.

From this video you will learn what serum iron is and what its norm is for women and men:

This video will introduce you to important and useful information about the need for iron in the body.

This substance plays an important role in the life support of the body. In human blood there is so-called bound serum iron, which for various reasons can increase or decrease, which, as a rule, indicates the presence of a variety of pathological conditions. Find out what this element is and what its significance is for the body.

What is serum iron

The correct ratio of all substances necessary for a person is the key to good health. At the same time, iron (Fe) is considered one of the most important metals for the body. This microelement is part of pigment proteins, cytochromes and acts as a coenzyme for many chemical reactions. The body contains about 4-7 mg of iron. In the bone marrow, liver and spleen, Fe is found in the form of intracellular ferritin. Only the plasma concentration of this protein complex is a reliable reflection of metal reserves.

Serum ferritin serves as a kind of “iron depot”, which is used both in case of excess and deficiency of this microelement. In tissues, Fe is in the form of hemosiderin. Serum iron is determined in combination with the transport protein transferrin. This complex is used by the body as needed, while tissue and intracellular reserves remain untouched.

Functions

Iron is of paramount importance for the body. In plasma, this element is complexed with a transport protein. Thanks to this “tandem”, free oxygen entering during breathing is bound, which is subsequently supplied to all organs and tissues. Iron in serum is involved in many energy processes and redox reactions:

• DNA synthesis;
• cholesterol metabolism;
• process of hematopoiesis;
• detoxification processes.

Serum iron norm

When assessing the serum concentration of a microelement, the nutritional-dependent nature of this indicator should be taken into account. Iron enters the body with food, so a moderate decrease in the concentration of bound transferrin during a non-strict diet or taking drugs that interfere with the absorption of Fe is considered a physiological phenomenon that can easily be eliminated by correcting the diet.

If severe iron deficiency is detected, appropriate drug treatment is prescribed. It is worth considering that in the morning the serum contains slightly more of this microelement than in the evening. With all this, serum Fe may vary in patients belonging to different age categories.

Among women

In the body of representatives of the fairer sex, iron metabolism occurs under the influence of constantly changing hormonal levels, therefore the norm of serum iron in the blood of women is slightly underestimated and is about 10.7-21.5 µmol/l, which is mainly due to menstruation. During pregnancy, plasma Fe levels can also decrease significantly. So, during gestation, this indicator should not fall below 10.0 µmol/l.

In men

Subject to a balanced diet and adherence to a daily routine, iron reserves in the stronger sex are consumed optimally. A decrease in ferritin inside cells in men occurs as a result of liver disease, which often occurs against the background of abuse (or even poisoning) of alcoholic beverages and their surrogates. The normal level of serum iron in men ranges from 14.0 to 30.4 µmol/l.

In children

The Fe content in the blood of young patients varies depending on their age, weight and height. Children under one year old who are exclusively breastfed are susceptible to a slight decrease in hemoglobin. This fact is due to the limited content of so-called heme iron in the body of babies, which is not a cause for concern. The norm of serum Fe in children under one year of age is 7-18 µmol/l, and in older children this figure can reach 9-21 µmol/l.

Serum iron is low

Most patients tend to suffer from Fe deficiency. This condition often manifests itself as a latent deficiency. In other cases, iron deficiency is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. People suffering from anemia experience severe headaches, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Serum Fe in such patients is less than 9 µmol/L. The reasons for the decrease in iron concentration are as follows:

• chronic diseases;
• malnutrition and vitamin deficiency;
• renal failure;
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• pregnancy, lactation;
• destruction of red blood cells;
• impaired iron absorption in intestinal diseases;
• oncology.

Serum iron increased

This condition is very rare. In patients with high levels of plasma iron, or hemochromatosis, yellowing of the eyeballs and skin, heart rhythm disturbances, and weight loss are noted. During instrumental studies, such patients are found to have liver enlargement, myocardial dystrophy, and pancreatic dysfunction. Excess iron (about 50-70 µmol/l) negatively affects the functioning of all organs and systems. Iron in the blood serum is increased, as a rule, against the background of the following pathologies:

• subcutaneous hemorrhages;
• primary hemochromatosis;
• taking iron-containing medications;
• metabolic disorders;
• lack of folic acid;
• chronic liver diseases.

Blood test for serum iron - explanation

This laboratory test is prescribed not only for patients with various pathologies, but also for ordinary patients during an annual preventive examination. The degree of iron absorption directly affects the functioning of the entire body, therefore it is very important to periodically check the accumulation of this element. This is especially true for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What does it show

Plasma iron is in a bound state. Diagnosis of anemia is based on determining the concentration of transferrin. The iron-binding ability of serum is reflected by the so-called TIBI index. In order to identify tissue deficiency, the ferritin content inside cells is determined. Any abnormalities identified during a biochemical blood test are grounds for prescribing additional laboratory tests.

How to take it

Considering that early morning is characterized by slightly increased serum Fe, experts recommend checking the degree of saturation with this element a little later. As a rule, plasma testing for iron content is carried out from 8 to 10 am. The test is taken on an empty stomach. The day before blood sampling, you should refrain from eating fatty foods and drinking alcohol.

The metals that make up the blood play a vital role in the life of all living organisms, without exception. They stimulate metabolic processes, influence growth, heredity, reproduction, actively participate in hematopoiesis and perform a number of other vital functions. Perhaps the most useful of these microelements for the human body is iron.

Functions of iron in the blood, what it is responsible for

In addition to the fact that iron is involved in the delivery of oxygen, it has other important functions. First of all, it is metabolism. A large number of proteins and enzymes require iron. The same applies to the process of cholesterol conversion. Thanks to iron, liver cells manage to resist poisons and destroy them. It is also important to highlight the following functions of iron in the human body:

• DNA production.
• The work of immunity.
• Generating the necessary energy.
• Hormone production.

Iron is also involved in the transmission of impulses and in the synthesis of connective tissue. At the required level of the element, growth processes proceed correctly. It is at a sufficient level that the skin maintains the desired tone, and the person does not feel tired.

As mentioned earlier, the adult body contains up to 5 g of iron, and its concentration per liter of blood serum can range from 7 to 31 µmol. In particular, normal blood should contain:

• in children under two years of age – from 7 to 18 µmol/l of iron;
• in children from 2 to 14 years old – from 9 to 22 µmol/l of iron;
• in adult men – from 11 to 31 µmol/l of iron;
• in adult women – from 9 to 30 µmol/l of iron.

The specific metal content in the body of each individual person depends not only on his age and gender, but also on height, weight, level, general health and many other objective and subjective factors.

Low iron levels in the blood: causes, symptoms and consequences

The key cause of iron deficiency in patients of all age groups is an unbalanced or strict vegetarian diet. By the way, up to 20% of the total amount of iron entering the body with meat is absorbed, with fish - up to 10%, and with plant products - no more than 6%. In turn, dairy products do not contain this beneficial substance. In addition, for successful absorption of iron, the diet must be enriched with vitamin C, B vitamins and proteins. Excess fat in the menu, on the contrary, reduces the absorption of iron.

Endogenous (internal) causes of iron deficiency in the body include:

• rapid growth with simultaneous depletion of iron reserves in the bone marrow and liver;
• physiological blood loss;
• the inhibitory effect of estrogens on iron intake;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• chronic intestinal inflammation;
• low acidity of gastric juice;
• the presence of bleeding ulcers of the stomach and intestines.

The main symptoms of iron deficiency are:

• brittle nails and hair;
• bluish lips;
• pallor of the mucous membranes and skin;
• frequent acute respiratory infections and stomatitis;
• dyspnea;
• muscle hypotonia;
• decreased emotional tone;
• unstable stool, indigestion;
• constant feeling of fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• urinary incontinence during sneezing and laughing, as well as enuresis in children.

A lack of iron in the human body leads to a disruption in the supply of oxygen to cells and, as a result:

• the occurrence and development of iron deficiency anemia (anemia);
• a number of pathological changes in tissues and organs;
• weakening of the body’s immune forces, increasing the risk of developing infectious diseases;
• increased fatigue;
• delayed mental development and growth of children.

Epithelial tissues are the most affected by pathological changes during iron deficiency: skin, mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and respiratory tract. That is why a low level of iron in the blood often becomes a key cause of various dermatitis, eczema and other skin diseases.

Involvement of the central nervous system in the iron deficiency pathological process is manifested by:

• in the impoverishment of the patient’s emotional sphere with a predominance of bad, depressive mood;
• lethargy, decreased ability to concentrate;
• in tearfulness, irritability.

In addition, a lack of iron in the blood can lead to low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and frequent dizziness.

Currently, a deep lack of iron in the body is eliminated with specialized iron preparations and diet therapy.

Elevated level: causes, symptoms and consequences

Under normal conditions, the body has a constant supply of iron in the form of water-insoluble hemosiderin and soluble ferritin. In this case, the first serves as a form of deposition of excess metal in tissues, and the second serves as a temporary storage of its reserves. As a rule, a constant level of iron in the blood is maintained due to the regulation of its absorption. Thus, the metal supplied with food is first deposited in the intestinal mucosa, and then, as necessary, is moved by the transport protein transferrin to the liver and bone marrow. In turn, intestinal cells are regularly replaced with new ones every three days, and excess iron is removed from the body along with exfoliated epithelium.

Meanwhile, in some cases, the described process is disrupted: the intestines lose their regulatory function and all the iron that enters the body with food begins to be absorbed into the blood. The first symptoms of this pathology, which in medicine is called hemochromatosis (bronze diabetes, pigmentary cirrhosis), are:

• increase in hemoglobin level to 130 g/l and above;
• redness of the skin;
• decrease in the number of red blood cells;
• pain in the right hypochondrium.

Currently, hemochromatosis is successfully treated with medications that can capture iron, convert it into a soluble state and remove its excess along with urine.

How to increase iron in the blood

In order for all processes to proceed correctly, it is important to maintain the required level of iron. For a child it is 8-9 mg, for men 10-11 mg, but for women up to 20 mg. You can increase your iron levels in different ways. Naturally, the drugs must be prescribed by a doctor. Traditional recipes are also used with the permission of a specialist. On your own, you can influence the level of the element through a well-designed diet.

Medicines

If the study reveals that the iron level is too low, the doctor prescribes medications. The following items are highly effective:

• Totema – suitable for children and women during pregnancy.
• Hemofer - helps not only increase hemoglobin, but also immunity.
• Tardiferon is especially effective for large blood losses. Approved for use in pediatrics.
• Ferroplex - used to increase iron levels and also enriches the body with folic acid.

There are other drugs and they should be used only for their intended purpose.

Important: Excess iron levels can also be dangerous.

Folk remedies

Traditional therapy is often used as a complement to traditional therapy. But in mild cases, it can significantly improve your well-being. It is better to use the following recipes:

• A mixture of St. John's wort and plantain. The herbs are mixed in equal quantities and used to prepare a decoction (2 tbsp per 250 ml). Take 10 ml. within a month.
• Nettle tea does the job perfectly. You can drink it with honey or sugar.
• Clover is used to prepare an infusion. A spoonful of raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water. The entire volume is drunk within 24 hours.
• Rowan can be used either independently or as an additive to rose hips. Together, these berries will make a delicious and healthy tea.

Don't forget about parsley and dill. They can be used not only as a spice, but also for preparing an infusion.

Products

Regardless of whether medications and traditional medicine recipes are used, the diet should always be adjusted. To increase iron, it is important to add the following foods to your diet:

• Meat of all varieties.
• Vegetables, mostly green, as well as herbs.
• Seafood.
• Cereals.
• Nuts of all kinds.
• Dried fruits.
• Eggs.

Naturally, dishes should be prepared correctly, avoiding long heat treatment and frying. It is advisable to eat vegetables raw.

How to lower iron in the blood

It may also be that your iron levels are elevated. In this case, treatment is also prescribed by all available methods.

Therapy should be started only after tests have been completed and the root cause of the condition has been determined.

Medicines

The drugs are prescribed individually, as they have certain contraindications and side effects. Using them alone can cause serious consequences. To reduce hemoglobin, the following drugs are used:

• Trental - helps reduce hemoglobin, but is not used if there is an increased tendency to bleeding.
• Aspirin - helps reduce hemoglobin and thin the blood. It is strictly forbidden to use for gastrointestinal lesions.
• Ticlopidine - used to thin the blood after serious pathologies such as and.
• Clopidogrel - indications are similar to those described above. Prohibited for use in pregnant women and with kidney pathologies.

The drugs are taken in courses with constant monitoring of the blood picture.

Folk remedies

The choice of folk recipes is a little poorer compared to methods aimed at increasing iron. To reduce the level of the element in the blood, you can use mumiyo. Take the tablets for 10 days followed by a break of 5 days. Then the course is repeated.

Products

Elevated iron levels are one of the few conditions when the diet is selected, on the contrary, from “harmful” foods. They will help reduce the level of sweetness, fatty and smoked elements. From fruits you can eat bananas, grapes, lemons.

It is especially useful to include soybeans, beans of all types, fermented milk products, vegetables with a high content of oxalic acid, river fish, as well as oats and pearl barley in your diet.

Leeches have proven themselves to be excellent. Following the rules for their use will not only help thin the blood, but will also improve your overall well-being. A combination of proper nutrition and traditional recipes will help you achieve results faster.

Iron is a mineral that plays a vital role in our body, ensuring the transport of oxygen from red blood cells to all cells of the body.

This mineral is an essential component of hemoglobin, a specific protein in human blood.

If your body experiences iron deficiency, it is not able to produce the required number of red blood cells capable of carrying oxygen. As a result, the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases and Iron-deficiency anemia.

If you find yourself with the symptoms listed below, this is a reason to check the level of iron in your body.

1. Chronic fatigue. This symptom occurs because the body lacks oxygen in the cells and this is reflected in your energy levels. People in this condition often experience weakness and an inability to concentrate. Although chronic fatigue can be a sign of other diseases, this symptom should prompt you to check the level of hemoglobin in your blood.
2. Frequent colds. Iron plays a key role in the health of our immune system. Insufficient oxygen transport will affect the functioning of the spleen, which is a natural filter against bacteria that enter our body. Due to lack of oxygen, the formation of white blood cells, leukocytes, whose purpose is to fight infections, will be inhibited.
3. Excessive hair loss. Losing about 100 hairs per day is considered normal. If you notice a noticeably larger amount of hair on your comb, you should check your iron levels in your blood.
4. Pallor. Hemoglobin gives the skin a pinkish tint, so pale skin may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
5. Enlarged tongue. Lack of oxygen causes the body's muscles to increase in volume. However, the only muscle where you can notice this sign is the tongue. Cracks in the corners of the mouth are also common in people with iron deficiency.
6. Pica. People with insufficient iron stores in the body sometimes have a craving for eating non-food substances, such as earth, clay or chalk.
7. Fast and irregular heartbeat. With anemia, the heart pumps more blood through itself to compensate for low oxygen levels.

The norm of iron and the reasons for its deficiency in the human body

Women of childbearing age are most at risk for iron deficiency due to blood loss during menstruation. Women aged 18 to 50 years are recommended to consume 18 mg of iron per day.

Pregnant women should consume 27 mg per day. Adult men need about 8 mg of iron per day.

There are several reasons why a person may be iron deficient:

• Poor nutrition. Scientists distinguish between two types of iron: heme iron, obtained from animal sources (beef, liver, oysters), and non-heme iron, obtained from plants (buckwheat, legumes, spinach). Heme iron is best absorbed by our body. Long-term consumption of foods low in heme iron contributes to lower levels of this mineral in the body.
• Pregnancy. Iron is required for fetal development, so increased iron intake is recommended for pregnant women.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding among women. Normally, menstruation lasts 4-5 days and the amount of blood lost is approximately 2-3 tablespoons.
• Internal bleeding. Hidden internal bleeding can be caused by an ulcer, polyps or intestinal cancer. Frequent use of aspirin can also lead to stomach bleeding.
• Problems with iron absorption. Even if your diet is rich in iron, certain diseases can impair its absorption. These include, for example, celiac disease or gastric bypass surgery.

How to diagnose iron deficiency?

To determine the iron content, a detailed blood test is used, which will show the quantitative content of hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, red and white blood cells.

Diagnosis of anemia is based on the size of red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit, which is determined by the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Normal hematocrit is 34.9-44.5% for women and 38.8-50% for men.

An adequate hemoglobin level corresponds to 120-155 g/l for women and 135-175 g/l for men. The size and color of red blood cells are determined under a microscope, and pale red blood cells will also indicate iron deficiency.

To complete the diagnosis, the doctor can find out ferritin and transferrin content in blood.

How to treat iron deficiency in the body?

If you suspect that you have iron deficiency anemia, you should seek the help of official medicine. Self-diagnosis and self-medication can cause the opposite effect - excess iron in the blood, which contributes to constipation and liver damage. To eliminate anemia, the following steps are usually taken:

• Taking iron supplements. If possible, take iron tablets on an empty stomach to help your body absorb it better. You may need to take iron supplements for several months, and may have side effects such as constipation and black stools.
• Diet with increased intake of iron-containing foods: red meat, nuts, spinach. Taking vitamin C at the same time will help the body absorb iron more actively. Add citrus fruits to your diet.
• Treatment of bleeding. If iron deficiency is caused by bleeding, internal or excessive menstrual bleeding, then iron supplements are of no use. You need to seek help from a doctor.