Importance Of Iron For Human Body
Iron is one of the most paramount minerals that is found in every cell of the body. Iron helps the body cells to function properly. It is required to make hemoglobin, the major part of the human body. Approximately 70% of the iron in our body is found in the red blood cells known as hemoglobin and muscle cells known as myoglobin. The pertinent role of hemoglobin in the body is to carry oxygen to the body tissues and body cells. Myoglobin helps in accepting, storing, transporting, and releasing oxygen in the muscle cells.
Iron is also crucial for our Immune system as it fights diseases and helps maintain muscle power, and regulates the brain to function accurately. In addition, about 6% of the body’s iron is an element of several proteins, vital for respiration, energy ingestion, and as an integrant of enzymes entailed in the combination of collagen and some neurotransmitters.
Around 25% of the iron in the body is deposited as ferritin, located in the cells, and flows in the blood. Usually, a male has stored 1000mg of iron in his body, while a woman only has 600 mg of iron stored in her body. When the intake of iron is persistently low, stores can become exhausted and decline hemoglobin levels. When the stores of iron are depleted, it is stated as iron depletion. Moreover, the further decline in iron deficiency is called an iron deficiency, and still, further decline produces iron deficiency anemia. Loss of blood is the most common consequence of iron deficiency.
Functions Performed by iron in the body:
Iron is the key element that performs several indispensable functions in the body like:
- Forms a systemic part of hemoglobin, a protein that is paramount for giving the appropriate level of oxygen to the blood.
- It helps in ensuring a healthy as well as safe pregnancy by gathering crucial needs of nutrients for both the expecting mother and the developing foetus.
- Magnify the system’s inherent immune activity.
- It also helps the cells to meet the requirements of energy for performing major biochemical roles.
- It also helps in promoting digestion.
- Iron intensifies brain functions, memory, and concentration.
Iron Requirements for Iron Deficiency Person
The body itself does not make iron, it must be consumed from the food that we eat. Therefore, foods rich in Vitamin C are also advised because Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron. It is said that cooking food in iron pots can add more than 80% of iron.
Some foods that are high in iron are :
The meat that is rich in iron include:
- Lean beef
- Veal
- Pork
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Liver (except fish liver)
The seafood that is rich in iron include:
- Fish
- Mussels
- Shellfish
The vegetables that are rich in iron include:
- Greens, all kinds
- Tofu
- Broccoli
- Sweet Peas
- Brussel Sprouts
- Kale
- Bean Sprouts
- Tomatoes
- Lima Beans
- Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Corn
- Beets
- Cabbage
Treatment of iron deficiency
In many cases, in the growth years of children, adolescents, or young adults do not intake a healthy balanced diet, therefore not absorbing an accurate amount of iron needed by the body cells in the body. Thus, the consumption of iron supplements once a day with high iron supplements can highly supplement the system’s need for iron to execute general biochemical enzymatic functions. In the market, many kinds of iron supplements for adults are available. One can consume them if they are having low levels of iron. Before taking iron supplements, one should consult the doctor. Iron supplements are available in different forms, such as tablets, liquids, and injections. To reduce iron deficiency, individuals need to take iron alternatives for 3 to 6 months.
The Bottom Line -:
Adequate intake of iron is important for physical as well as mental well-being. Otherwise, you can become anemic. Sometimes physicians also recommend iron supplements for adults along with healthy foods to prevent anemia.
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