Importance of Iron to the Body

Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen. It contains four iron-containing heme groups. Each of these can bind to oxygen molecules through ion-induced dipole force. This allows a single hemoglobin molecule to carry up to four oxygen molecules, significantly increasing the blood oxygen capacity.

A deficiency of iron will lead to a decreased supply of oxygen. This hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and is essential for overall health. The different organs utilize oxygen for proper functioning. This allows your cells to produce energy. In fact, fatigue is a common symptom of iron deficiency anemia.

Iron also helps transport oxygen to muscles supporting physical performance, endurance, strength, coordination, and recovery. Adequate iron levels are crucial for a fully functioning immune system. Insufficient iron may increase the risk of infections.

Children with insufficient iron intake may develop iron deficiency, which can range from mild to severe.

The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are as follows: extreme fatigue which is the feeling of usually tired and weak. Weakness refers to reduced physical strength, while pale skin appears lighter than usual. Chest pain, characterized by a fast heartbeat or shortness of breath, may occur due to a decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.

Other symptoms are:

Iron deficiency anemia in children is associated with increased morbidity due to infection. Anemia weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections.

Another is the risk of low birth weight in babies due to anemia in pregnant mothers. Iron deficiency anemia has been associated also with impaired cognitive development, school performance, and overall health issues in children. Heart failure risk is another cause of morbidity in anemia which can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart failure.

The World Health Organization recommends daily iron supplementation for different age groups of children:

Natural sources and supplements, like iron, are naturally found in certain foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, and legumes, as well as in over-the-counter iron supplements suitable for children.

People with symptoms of iron deficiency may feel more energetic and less tired during exercise once iron pills start working. Once the iron level is restored and hemoglobin levels rise, symptom of iron deficiency resolve.

Iron deficiency anemia has also been shown to affect cognitive and physical development in children and reduce productivity in adults. Children with iron deficiency anemia may also difficulty with behavior or concentration due anemia.

Sometimes these effects can be permanent. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is part of red blood cells, it carries oxygen through the body, without enough oxygen, you may feel weak, dizzy and short of breath. You may tire easily. You also feel grumpy, have headaches and have trouble concentration.