Benefits of Iron And Its Side Effects

Iron is mainly supplemented through diet. It is found in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods, further classified as heme and non-heme iron. Some of the rich vegetarian sources of iron include legumes, whole grains, sprouts, broccoli, spinach, dry fruits, green leafy vegetables, and cereals. Other non vegetarian sources of iron include chicken liver, seafood, lean red meat, chicken, and eggs.

Iron is a mineral that is required for our bodies to function properly. Most of the iron in our body is found in the blood as hemoglobin, which is a protein used to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
There are two types of iron in our diet: heme and non heme iron. Heme iron is derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin and is only found in animal products. Plant-based iron is referred to as non-heme iron.

Iron is a metallic chemical element that is found widely in our planet. It has various uses in our daily life. Iron is highly preferred for use, as it is very cheap and available abundantly in the nature. Some of the uses of iron in our life are that of agriculture- iron is an important component in plants. It acts as micronutrients in plants, and deficiency of it can cause various diseases. Iron is also used in foods and medicines. Iron in red blood cells contains haemoglobin. Iron is an important facilitator for regulating body temperature. An interesting fact is that it has the ability to regulate as per the absorption capacity of the body. The need to keep the body temperature stable means that the enzymatic and metabolic functions can happen in their most optimal and efficient environment and temperatures. One of the most important health benefits of iron is that it acts as a carrier of oxygen and thus participates in transferring oxygen from one body cell to other. This is a vital function of iron, as oxygen is required by each and every organ system to perform routine functions. Iron also helps in the treatment of chronic disorders like renal failure anemia, and other chronic diseases of the intestinal and excretory system. These are not related to blood necessarily, like most other iron functions, but remember, iron is still a key part of many necessary processes throughout the body’s systems, not just the circulatory system. Iron plays a key role in providing strength to the immune system of the body. Thus, the body is made proficient enough to fight against a number of diseases and infections. Red blood cells are necessary for providing oxygen to damaged tissues, organs, and cells. Without it, there would be no haemoglobin; without haemoglobin, there would be no oxygen. The healing process needs iron to happen. Iron is an important participant of energy metabolism in the human body. This process is how energy is extracted from the consumed food and subsequently distributed to different body parts. Iron, when consumed in sufficient amounts, can help improve concentration, which will boost the cognitive and mental performance. Increased flow of blood to the brain due to iron’s red blood cell activity is what results in this important benefit. Iron is also useful in treating insomnia in the human body and also improves the sleeping habits and quality of people by regulating their circadian rhythms.

Although usually safe for most people, iron is said to cause gastrointestinal disturbances resulting in stomach pain and upset; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. It is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach as there are chances that the food consumed can reduce its absorption in the body. However, if iron shows a lot of side effects, it is administered with consumption of food. Administration of higher doses of iron in children is considered as unsafe and results in poisoning. Iron poisoning shows severe conditions, such as low blood pressure, liver failure and intestinal distress. It should be avoided in case of Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis. Essential care must be taken when administering iron to premature infants with marked low levels of vitamin E. Simultaneous administration of iron must be avoided with antibiotics, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, levodopa, and penicillamine.

Although usually safe for most people, iron is said to cause gastrointestinal disturbances resulting in stomach pain and upset; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. It is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach as there are chances that the food consumed can reduce its absorption in the body. However, if iron shows a lot of side effects, it is administered with consumption of food. Administration of higher doses of iron in children is considered as unsafe and results in poisoning. Iron poisoning shows severe conditions, such as low blood pressure, liver failure and intestinal distress. It should be avoided in case of Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis. Essential care must be taken when administering iron to premature infants with marked low levels of vitamin E. Simultaneous administration of iron must be avoided with antibiotics, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, levodopa, and penicillamine.