Introduction
Iron is an essential nutrient in the human body, the lack of which can lead to some negative consequences. The main ones can be called problems with the growth of hair, nail plates, as well as the development of anemia, the presence of fatigue and weakness. All these symptoms manifested in me when I was diagnosed with an iron deficiency. At the same time, dizziness and low hemoglobin at level 7 were also important aspects that helped to detect this disease. In this regard, we can say that a low iron content in the body can significantly damage its functions and reduce the quality of human life. To eliminate this problem, it is important to investigate the causes and consequences of deficiency and develop the right diet.
Importance of Iron
The human body uses iron to ensure the normal functioning of all major systems. The production of hemoglobin is an important aspect that provides proteins in red blood cells (Zimmermann 5). This aspect is important for people, since red blood cells are an element that supplies the whole body with oxygen. Accordingly, without the correct operation of this system, normal nourishment and functioning of the body are impossible (Duyff 4). In addition, iron is vital in order to ensure the functioning of the immune system and energy metabolism. This is what can explain the symptoms of fatigue and malaise with problems with iron.
Iron Deficiency and Its Consequences
The state of the body when it cannot produce enough hemoglobin and myoglobin is called iron deficiency. In the future, if this condition is not promptly corrected, it can cause anemia, as in my case. During anemia, the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin drops to a critically low level in the blood (Zimmermann 6). In addition, people may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, pale skin, and hair loss. This means that a person needs to think about changing his diet to restore the correct balance of nutrients.
Iron deficiency is a common problem, especially among children and people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Nutrients are a vital part of the proper development of the body of children since, without getting enough iron, they will not be able to develop appropriately and in a timely manner (Mahan and Raymond 2). People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet should also maintain the correct amounts of iron by replacing animal products with other iron-containing elements.
The Need for a Proper Diet
There are a large number of products that can provide people with an adequate supply of iron in the body and provide them with normal living conditions. Sources of iron that people need to include in their diet are red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs (Clark 14). However, for people who avoid the use of animal products, there are alternative sources of iron. These include beans, lentils, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables (Clark 14). In addition, it is essential to consider that vitamin C plays an important role in the absorption of iron in the body (Clark 12). Therefore it is also necessary to monitor the sufficient intake of this element.
Conclusion
Iron is an essential element for the body, which is confirmed by multiple dysfunctions that occur in people with its deficiency. Iron deficiency is a common problem in many populations, which means that people need to monitor better the food they eat. Thus, a proper diet must be adjusted in order to avoid the negative consequences of a lack of iron in the body. A balanced diet and intake of all foods that contain it, as well as vitamin C for improved digestion, is an essential principle of health.
Works Cited
Clark, Nancy. Nancy Clark’s sports nutrition guidebook. Human Kinetics. 2019.
Duyff, Roberta. Complete food and nutrition guide. Harvest. 2017.
Mahan, Kathleen and Raymond, Janice. Krause’s Food & the Nutrition Care Process, Iranian Edition E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2016.
Zimmermann, Michael. “Methods to Assess Iron and Iodine Status.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 99, no. S3, pp. S2-S9, 2008. Web.