Iron is essential to the production and performance of hemoglobin

Iron

An essential trace mineral vital to human nutrition, iron is crucial to the entire process of respiration, including electron and oxygen transport. The main purpose or goal of respiration within the body is to produce biologic energy. Iron is essential to the production and performance of hemoglobin, which carries nearly all of the oxygen in the blood to needed locations throughout the body. As hydrogen and oxygen combine within a cell’s mitochondria, electron transport reactions take place that produce energy. These reactions are made possible by a flow of electrons, brought about by the oxidation of food particles, across cytochromes (electron-carrier proteins), and by the ultimate grouping of these electrons with oxygen to form water. Cytochrome oxidase is the last enzyme in the electron transport chain, and both cytochromes as well as cytochrome oxidase depend on iron for their synthesis and function. Aconitase, L-carnitine, and myoglobin, all of which play a vital role in the body’s production of energy, also require iron in order to function properly. Other body operations such as DNA synthesis, immune system response, and normal brain development involve iron as well. Iron is also important to the synthesis of norepinephrin, dopamine, serotonin, and collagen. It is important that the body receive just the right amount of iron. Too little iron in the body’s system can lead to microcytic hypochromic anemia, the most common nutritional disorder in the world, as well as other bodily dysfunctions. Likewise, an overload of iron can cause congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cirrhosis. It is estimated that around 25 percent of the world-wide population is deficient in iron. As such, iron intake has become a global health concern. A connection with iron has been noted in the following health conditions: Iron-deficiency anemia Depression (for deficiency) Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation) (for treatment of iron-deficiency only) Childhood intelligence (for deficiency) Iron Deficiency It has been shown that less iron is consumed by vegetarians than is taken in by their non-vegetarian counterparts. It has also been noted that the iron consumed by vegetarians is less absorbable. Because of this, vegetarians are much more likely to have less than adequate amounts of iron stored in their bodies. However, a diet low in iron is not usually the only cause of iron deficiency. Often an underlying cause, such as iron lost in menstrual blood, is somewhat to blame. It is especially common for marathon runners, Pregnant women, those who take aspirin or have ulcers, parasitic infections, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal cancers, ulcerative colitis or other conditions resulting in malabsorption or blood loss to become iron deficient. An increased risk for iron-deficiency anemia may also be more prevalent among infants who live in inner city areas. And, As a result these children may be at a greater risk for developmental delays. In these areas, using an infant formula fortified with iron to supplement the diets of babies up to 18 months of age has been shown to prevent iron-deficiency anemia and to reduce the number of children who suffer from developmental delays. Dosage and Administration Several forms of iron supplementation are available including ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulphate, ferrous ascorbate, ferrous fumarate, and carbonyl iron. One a doctor has diagnosed a person with an iron deficiency, it is essential that an iron supplement be taken. An amount commonly recommended for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults is 100 mg per day. Oftentimes, after the deficiency has been corrected, the amount of supplemental iron will be reduced. It is important, not only for iron deficiency to be uncovered and diagnosed, but for the cause of the deficiency to be discovered as well. Most of the time the problem is not serious, such as with iron lost during blood donation or through menstruation. However, sometimes iron deficiency can be caused by an ulcer or colon cancer. In some cases, premenopausal women might need to supplement their diets with iron to avoid becoming iron deficient. Oftentimes, a multivitamin-mineral supplement containing 18 mg of iron is enough to prevent deficiency. However, women should always seek the advice of their doctor to be certain that iron requirements are being met. Cautions Iron, in the form of ferrous sulfate, is the number one cause of accidental poisonings among children. In 1986, the occurrence of such poisonings dramatically increased. Many of the children poisoned gained access to the iron though "child-proof" containers opened by themselves, another child, or left improperly closed or open by an adult. Children have died from ingesting as little as 200mg of iron. It is very important that all supplements especially those containing iron be kept in an area inaccessible by children.