What is Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency is a lack of sufficient iron in the blood. People require iron to help transport oxygen throughout the body. When there is a lack of iron in the blood, resulting either from nutritional deficiencies or a loss of blood, symptoms can appear, caused by a reduced amount of oxygen reaching the tissues and organs of the body. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as heart and growth problems. In the human body, iron is used by the red blood cells to help the cells create hemoglobin. The word hemoglobin literally means iron protein from the prefix hemo- meaning iron and -globin, a protein. This protein is what makes red blood cells red, and insufficient amounts of hemoglobin are likely due to iron deficiency anemia. Those deficient in iron typically display mild symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, brittle nails, and loss of appetite. In these mild cases, iron deficiency is easily treated with a supplement. A consultation is a
