What Happens When Your Iron Level Is Low?
Iron is a basic building block in our body. It is part of hemoglobin, which is the molecule that allows our red blood cells to take up oxygen and distribute it to all the body’s cells. This oxygen is important for bodily functions. Therefore, when your iron level is low, it leads to consequences in your body.
Low iron levels are often confused with anemia. However, this is not the case, as there are many different types of anemia due to other causes. What is true is that low iron levels are actually associated with iron deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. Both this deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can have serious health consequences. Therefore, in this article, we explain everything you need to know about this issue.
What happens if your iron level is low?
To know what happens when your iron levels are low, you must first know what the right levels are. The iron that circulates in the blood is normally between 50 and 150 mg / dl.
However, there are certain forms of iron storage in the body. Ferritin is a protein that is responsible for storing iron, and we must take the values into account when measuring total iron.
The truth is that there are many reasons for this deficit. Most cases occur in women due to menstruation. This is because with blood loss there is also a reduction in iron levels.
You should also take into account that we get this product through food. In fact, we find it mainly in meat. For this reason, certain eating habits, such as being a vegetarian, can lead to deficits.
The same thing happens when there is a digestive problem that prevents us from absorbing iron. For example , low iron levels are often one of the first symptoms of celiac disease or other chronic digestive diseases, such as Crohn’s disease.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
The truth is that in the beginning, when the deficit is not too pronounced, there are usually no symptoms. However, as the anemia progresses, different signs appear.
First of all, when your iron levels are low, you tend to be more tired and feel weaker.
However, it’s not just that. The following symptoms also appear:
- Hair loss
- Fragile nails
- Pale and cold skin
- Headache
- Decreased appetite (especially in children)
What to do to diagnose and treat your low iron levels
The most important thing is to see a doctor regularly, and even more, for any of the symptoms mentioned above. With a simple blood test you will be able to check your iron level and know if the iron level is low or not.
To solve this problem, it is important to maintain an adequate diet. Experts recommend consuming legumes, meat, fish and eggs. The truth is that if your diet is balanced and healthy, then this disorder is much less likely.
In many cases, certain studies are needed to find the cause of this deficit. Digestive endoscopy can, for example, be used to check if there is a sore or stomach problem that affects your iron level.
At the same time, a colonoscopy can be used to rule out bleeding in the last part of the digestive tract. This situation often occurs in colon cancer, so anemia in a suspicious patient is an indication and suggests a neoplasm.
On some occasions, doctors prescribe iron supplements to address this deficiency. However, it is important to only take them on prescription, as these supplements also have side effects and should be used in moderation.
To conclude
Low iron levels are not uncommon. It is mostly women who suffer from anemia due to iron loss caused by menstruation. On the other hand, colon cancer in men over the age of 50 with iron deficiency may be suspected.
It is important to perform the recommended annual checks to detect a problem with iron. You should visit your doctor regularly so that he / she can request appropriate complementary methods for your age and clinical situation.
