Iron is essential for the functioning of the immune system, as well as for the action of certain enzymes involved in energy production.
It is stored in tissues mainly in the form of ferritin., It is absorbed from food in the small intestine and passes into the blood and bone marrow. There it is used in the production of hemoglobin, which is incorporated into red blood cells.
The iron found in food is either haemorrhagic (iron of animal origin) or non-hemorrhagic(iron mainly of plant origin).
Here are 10 signs that you may be iron deficient.
- Iron deficiency causes anemia, frequent dizziness, and headaches.
- You are constantly tired and feel lethargic.
- You get out of breath very easily, even after just a few steps.
- You often feel numbness in your palms and soles.
- Iron deficiency affects blood circulation, often leaving you feeling cold and numb in your extremities.
- Iron deficiency affects the functioning of the immune system and makes you prone to infections.
- The risk of heart disease increases. Iron deficiency alters the number of red blood cells and hinders the circulation of oxygen to the organs.
- Weak nails that break and hair loss.
- Iron deficiency causes a decrease in the number and size of red blood cells, resulting in paler skin.
- Lack of oxygen causes muscle enlargement (most noticeable in the tongue muscle) and pain.
