Team Vitamineule
1. What exactly is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a common form of anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is an essential mineral needed for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body's cells. When the body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen supply to tissues and, consequently, the symptoms of anemia. The most common causes of iron deficiency anemia are blood loss, inadequate iron intake from food, and increased iron requirements. Blood loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, including heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding (for example, from ulcers or hemorrhoids), blood donation, or surgery. Inadequate iron absorption can be due to a diet low in iron, which is particularly at risk for vegetarians and vegans, as animal products are the main sources of easily absorbed iron. Increased iron requirements often occur during periods of rapid growth, such as in childhood and adolescence, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can vary and range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and cold hands and feet. In more severe cases, people may experience heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath during physical exertion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people also develop unusual cravings for nonnutritious substances such as ice, dirt, or starch, a condition known as pica. Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is usually made through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests. A complete blood count (CBC) may show a low red blood cell count, low hemoglobin levels, and small, pale red blood cells. More advanced tests may measure levels of ferritin (a protein that stores iron), iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation to more accurately determine iron status in the body. Treatment for iron deficiency anemia focuses on correcting the iron deficiency and treating the underlying cause. In most cases, this is accomplished by taking iron supplements designed to replenish iron levels in the body. These supplements should be taken under medical supervision, as excessive iron intake can be harmful. In addition to supplementation, dietary changes may be needed to increase intake of iron-rich foods. Good dietary sources of iron include red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. In severe cases or when oral iron intake is insufficient, intravenous iron supplements may be necessary. In addition, it is important to treat the underlying cause of the anemia, whether through medical management of blood loss, adjusting medications, or treating underlying conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease that can interfere with iron absorption. One preventative measure for iron deficiency anemia is eating a balanced diet that contains adequate iron. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, and women of childbearing age should be especially careful to meet their iron needs. Regular checkups and blood tests can help detect and treat iron deficiency early, before anemia develops. Overall, iron deficiency anemia is a highly treatable condition if detected early and treated appropriately. Through a combination of medical treatment and dietary adjustments, most people can successfully restore their iron levels and relieve the symptoms of anemia. Regular follow-up and monitoring are important to prevent relapses and ensure long-term health.
2. What is the importance of iron for the body?
Iron is an essential trace element that is central to human health. It plays a critical role in a variety of physiological processes and is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Although iron is needed in small amounts, deficiencies or excesses can cause significant health problems. Iron is a central component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to tissues and organs. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath, which are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia. This form of anemia is one of the most common deficiencies worldwide and particularly affects women of childbearing age, children and vegetarians or vegans who avoid iron-rich animal products. In addition to its role in oxygen transport, iron is also essential for energy production in cells. It is a component of enzymes involved in cellular respiration that release energy from nutrients. Without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce energy efficiently, leading to chronic fatigue and reduced performance. In addition, iron is important for the function of the immune system. It supports the proliferation and maturation of immune cells necessary for fighting infections. Iron deficiency can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections. The brain also benefits from adequate iron stores. Iron is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters that enable communication between nerve cells. A deficiency can impair mental performance and lead to poor concentration, learning difficulties and even neurological diseases. Iron metabolism in the body is complex and tightly regulated. Iron is mainly obtained through food. Good sources are meat, fish and poultry, as these forms of iron (heme iron) can be better absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources (non-heme iron). Nevertheless, plant foods such as lentils, beans, spinach and fortified grain products can also make important contributions to iron absorption. The bioavailability of plant-based iron can be improved by consuming foods rich in vitamin C, while certain substances such as phytates found in whole grains can inhibit iron absorption. Another aspect of iron metabolism is the storage and mobilization of iron in the body. Excess iron is stored in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and mobilized when needed. The body has mechanisms to minimize iron loss, such as recycling iron from broken down red blood cells. Nevertheless, deficiency can occur in certain conditions such as chronic bleeding or increased iron requirements during pregnancy. On the other hand, excess iron can also be harmful. A condition called hemochromatosis leads to excessive iron absorption and deposition in organs, which can lead to organ damage and diseases such as liver cirrhosis, diabetes and heart disease. It is therefore important that iron levels are kept in balance. In summary, iron plays a crucial role in health and well-being. A balanced ratio of iron absorption and storage is necessary to ensure optimal functioning of blood formation, energy production, immune defense and mental performance. Regular monitoring of iron levels, especially in risk groups, and a balanced diet are essential measures to cover the body's iron requirements and to avoid both deficiency and excess supply.
3. How much iron does the body need?
The daily iron requirement varies depending on age, gender and life stage. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) provides the following guidelines:
- Infants (0-6 months): 0.5 mg per day (covered by breast milk)
- Infants (7-12 months): 8 mg per day
- Children (1-10 years): 8-10 mg per day
- Adolescents (10-18 years): 12-15 mg per day (girls 15 mg, boys 12 mg)
- Adult men (19-50 years): 10 mg per day
- Adult women (19-50 years): 15 mg per day
- Adults over 50 years: men 10 mg, women 10 mg per day
- Pregnant women: 30 mg per day
- Breastfeeding women: 20 mg per day
4. Iron-containing dietary supplements
If you want to increase a low iron level with a dietary supplement, you should definitely pay attention to the form of the active ingredient and its origin. Iron bisglycinate is particularly suitable for increasing iron levels. It is very well tolerated and is utilized by the body to a high degree. The preparation should also not contain any chemical additives such as magnesium stearate or microcrystalline cellulose. If you buy a preparation from Germany, you can be sure that the product has been produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Iron Capsules
In our online shop you will find our iron capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives. Vitamineule® iron capsules contain 56mg of pure iron per capsule in the effective form of iron bisglycinate. Each can contains 90 capsules. In addition to fast and free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
5. Conclusion: What exactly is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron is an essential trace element, the need for which varies depending on the phase of life. A balanced diet rich in iron-containing foods supports health and prevents deficiency symptoms. People with increased needs, such as pregnant women and vegetarians, should pay particular attention to their iron intake. If iron deficiency is suspected, it is advisable to see a doctor and have your blood values checked in order to initiate targeted treatment if necessary.