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Iron deficiency iron deficiency in pregnancy iron supplement side effects

3 Iron Deficiency Symptoms and Causes

You’ve heard about it before: a lack of iron can cause health problems. But how serious are these health problems, and what are the specific symptoms?

The Basics: What Is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency is when a person lacks the proper amount of iron needed to produce hemoglobin, an essential protein for red blood cell production. Without red blood cells, the body cannot deliver oxygen properly, so an iron deficiency can cause serious problems. People who develop long term iron deficiency become anemic.

Who Suffers from Iron Deficiency Symptoms?

Anyone can become anemic from a lack of iron intake. However, certain subgroups are specifically susceptible to the condition.

Young children develop quickly and require lots of food with high nutritional input. According to the World Health Organization, almost 50% of the world’s children are anemic due to a lack of iron in their diet.

Next, pregnant and childbearing women often suffer symptoms of anemia. They become anemic due to the child’s demands on their blood supply. Pregnant or childbearing women must compensate for the child when planning a diet.

Lastly, people who suffer from chronic illness or blood-related health complications are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency symptoms. These individuals are predisposed to the ailment due to frequent blood loss or other conditions.

low iron symptoms

The Symptoms:

1.     General Fatigue

People suffering from anemia often express a feeling of perpetual exhaustion. This feeling becomes overwhelming when performing everyday tasks or when the individual is completely rested. This exhaustion or weakness is noticeable and causes sufferers to gradually become more sluggish.

In this situation, the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen to feel awake. Instead, oxygen levels are lower, making the body feel sleepy and causing light-headedness when the body is exerted.

2.     Pale Skin, Cold Hands and Feet

Without normal hemoglobin levels, the body’s blood flow is interrupted. It’s unable to deliver the normal amount of blood that heats and allows the body to function normally. The hands and feet are first to feel cold, as they are the furthest from the heart, which delivers oxygenated blood. People develop pale skin when too little blood is flowing to their heads.

3.     Fast or Irregular Heartbeat

The disruption of hemoglobin will affect cardiovascular activity. Sensing a lack of oxygen in the body, the brain will send messages to the heart to pump more blood to the body. This signaling sends the heart into overdrive so it can provide the body enough oxygenated blood.

What’s the Solution?

Increased iron intake is a start. But many people don’t realize that a lack of Vitamin A in their diet contributes to iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin A increases iron absorption and is key to relieving common symptoms of anemia.

IronCatch is the first all-natural, iron-free solution to improving iron absorption. The treatment is proven to decrease symptoms of anemia and raise overall iron absorption. Iron Catch is the perfect way to decrease symptoms of anemia while increasing overall iron absorption.

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Iron deficiency

How Can You Tell if Your Iron Is Low?

Your body needs a lot of different vitamins and minerals to keep going. One of the most important minerals is iron. It plays an essential role in the production of hemoglobin. This protein allows red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce hemoglobin, hindering oxygen transportation. These are the most common signs that your iron is low. The cause of low iron is often blood loss. This is sometimes due to injury but can also occur in women during their period or through latent blood loss in the stool.

Are You Feeling Tired?

Increased fatigue could be a sign that you aren’t getting enough iron. Oxygen is necessary for your cells to metabolize sugar and give you energy. When your cells aren’t getting enough oxygen, you don’t have the power you need to function. Low iron leads to low hemoglobin production, which stops your red blood cells from effectively transporting oxygen.

Unusual Paleness Could Indicate That Your Iron Is Low

Iron-rich hemoglobin is the protein that gives blood its distinctive red color. As your hemoglobin levels drop, your blood begins to lose this color. This can lead to your skin looking much paler. Pale skin is one of the easiest signs to identify when your iron is low. The effect is most pronounced on the face, fingernails, gums, and the lower eyelids.

Shortness of Breath Is Another Common Symptom When Your Iron Is Low

When your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, it tries to compensate by breathing more. People with low iron will often have difficulty catching their breath after even mild physical activity like climbing stairs. Without enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen, the body is in a constant state of low oxygen.

Low Iron Is One Cause of Heart Palpitations

The decreased oxygen transportation efficiency brought on by low iron requires your heart to work harder to deliver the same amount of oxygen. This causes an elevated pulse and irregular heartbeats. Prolonged iron deficiency could lead to long-term heart problems. There are many possible causes of heart palpitations. It would be best to consult a doctor if you have this symptom.

Low Iron Sometimes Causes Dizziness

Light-headedness and dizziness are less common but still prevalent signs that your iron is low. The low oxygen levels caused by low iron can also lead to headaches, as deficient oxygen reaches the brain and causing blood vessels to swell. These symptoms are typical of many conditions, but they could point towards low iron if other symptoms are present.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome refers to the tendency to fidget uncontrollably when the legs are at rest. People feel compelled by itching or other sensations in the legs to move them continually. This often leads to difficulty sleeping. Restless leg syndrome is a common symptom of low iron.

Reduced Temperature at Extremities

Ineffective oxygen transfer to the hands and feet leads to reduced metabolism in those areas. The reduced metabolism then leads to a decrease in body temperature at those extremities. People whose iron is low often report their hands and feet feeling very cold. Some also report a general feeling of coolness through the entire body.

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Iron deficiency iron deficiency in pregnancy iron supplement side effects

How to Raise My Iron Levels Quickly?


Low iron is one of the most common mineral deficiencies around the world today. It can lead to a slew of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, and paleness. Iron deficiency progress through several stages of increasing severity, eventually requiring medical attention. If you’re asking yourself “how to raise my iron levels proactively,” there are a few steps you could take today.

How to Raise My Iron Levels With Supplements

One of the quickest methods is to take iron supplement pills. Iron supplements are easy to find at pharmacies, grocery stores, and health centers. Many complete multivitamin solutions also include supplementary iron. Physicians typically recommend High-dose iron supplements for those suffering from moderate symptoms or after blood loss. People who want to know how to raise their iron levels because they’re experiencing mild symptoms can try a lower dose supplement.

Some of the higher dose supplements can carry several side-effects, including nausea. This is why these pills are better for short-term treatment of severe cases, not an ongoing solution. Many low dose supplements include other vitamins in minerals intended to improve iron absorption. IronCatch is one such supplement, increasing iron absorption without any side effects. Their formula of fish oligosaccharides, vitamins, and minerals helps your body make the most of the iron you’re already getting from your diet. You’ll have several times your initial iron absorption within just 30 days of taking this supplement.

raise low iron levels

How to Raise My Iron Levels With an Iron-Rich Diet

Ideally, a person should receive all of the vitamins and minerals they need from a balanced diet. This isn’t always realistic, and tracking micronutrients can be difficult. Many people supplement their diets with everyday multivitamins to make up for any deficiencies. The primary source of dietary iron is meat. This is the reason that many vegetarians suffer from anemia and require iron supplements.

The iron that comes from red meats, fish, and poultry is called haem iron. It is different from the iron that is present in grains, vegetables, and fruit. Your body is about twice as efficient at absorbing the haem iron from meats as it is at absorbing other iron. When a diet has no meat, it’s hard to balance the iron deficiency with non-haem iron. Some good non-meat sources of iron include beans, pasta, cereal, cauliflower, and cabbage.

Additional Options to Raise Your Iron

There are a few other methods for those who wonder how to raise my iron levels. Using a cast-iron skillet for cooking is one of these methods. Iron from the skillet transfers into the food you cook. This effect is more pronounced when cooking acidic foods, like pasta sauce. Humanitarian efforts take advantage of this effect by distributing pieces of iron to third world countries to be left in cooking pots.

You can try avoiding coffee and tea with meals. They contain tannins that inhibit your body’s ability to absorb iron. If you wait several hours after eating to have your coffee, you can avoid this effect. Some other foods can avoid that can inhibit your iron absorption, spinach and high-fiber foods. Your body can only absorb so many minerals at once. Calcium and zinc provide competition for iron, so taking multiple mineral supplements at once can be counter-productive.

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Iron deficiency iron supplement side effects

Most Common Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Most-Common-Side-Effects

Iron is a crucial mineral the body needs to make red blood cells. When people’s iron stores are too low, they become anemic and begin experiencing symptoms of tiredness or weakness. People who are pregnant, menstruating, or experiencing blood loss are at higher risk of becoming iron deficient. Medicines to increase the body’s iron store can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter.

Iron Supplements

People suffering from iron deficiency anemia often take supplements to alleviate their symptoms. There is more than one type of supplement, and they can be taken by people with anemia or at risk of developing anemia. A few of these supplements include ferrous gluconate (medium strength tablets), ferrous fumarate (high strength tablets or syrup), and ferrous sulfate (high strength tablets).

Iron supplements are necessary for people suffering from iron deficiency anemia, but they often have negative side effects. Let’s look at some of these side effects. Afterward, we will explore some alternatives to common ferrous-based supplements.

Iron Supplement Side Effects and How to Avoid Them:

 The main side effects attributed to supplements usually subside after your body adapts to the medicine. However, it is common for people to feel the following symptoms after taking a supplement:

–   Upset stomach

–     Nausea

–      Stomach pain

–     Diarrhoea

–   Constipation

These side effects are normal – however, patients should contact a healthcare professional if they feel concerned about their reaction. It’s possible to overdose, so people should avoid taking too much of these supplements. Iron overload disorder is completely avoidable and very dangerous to the heart, liver, and pancreas.

Preventing Side Effects with Proper Dosage:

Side effects from supplements usually subside as time passes. However, there are some steps people can take to diminish the negative effects. For instance, people should always follow the dosage amount recommended by the supplement supplier.

Be aware that both men, women, adults, and children all have varying recommended dosages. Pay close attention to the dosage stated on the supplement label to avoid any dangerous mistakes. If you are unsure, consult with a healthcare professional to determine what dosage is best for you.

Alternatives to Traditional Supplements:

Obviously, one of the simplest ways to increase iron intake without the help of supplements is eating iron-rich foods such as meat. Meat projects increase iron stores and iron absorption. Additionally, it is essential that people monitor their vitamin C intake, as this vitamin drastically affects iron absorption.

Without the correct amount of vitamin C, people are unable to absorb iron from food. Therefore, it’s crucial to eat a regular helping of foods like oranges, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, red bell peppers, and strawberries. These foods are vitamin C rich and help your body absorb iron from the food you eat. Lastly, there is a new, iron-free supplement from Iron Catch that show significant results for people with anemia within 30 days. Iron Catch comes with no adverse side effects, making it an attractive choice for people considering iron supplements.

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Iron deficiency

Iron Deficiency – The difference between iron intake (consumption) and iron absorption

iron-absorption

Iron is a key mineral your body needs to function properly. It is critical for growth and development. Your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin proteins, which are crucial for the function of red blood cells.

You may find this surprising, but you can become iron deficient despite eating the correct amount of iron-rich foods and supplements.

Iron absorption, rather than iron intake, refers to the amount of iron you can process before the excess is removed from your body. Without the proper nutrients in your diet, your body can become less prepared to absorb iron. A lowered iron intake will eventually lead to symptoms of iron deficiency. Let’s take a look at foods that boost iron absorption.

Foods to Help Avoid Iron Deficiency:

vitamins-and-minerals

Certain foods are optimal for preparing your body to absorb iron. These foods contain vitamins and minerals that help capture two types of iron proteins (heme and non-heme). So which foods are better for preparing your body to absorb iron?

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be consumed by eating or drinking citrus products like orange juice or limes. This vitamin is also found in leafy green vegetables, strawberries, melons, and bell peppers. Vitamin C helps the body capture non-heme iron (found in non-meat sources), thereby increasing overall iron intake.

Foods Rich in Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A

Your body needs Vitamin A to grow and maintain a resilient immune system. Beta-carotene is a pigment that your body converts to vitamin A. Adding foods with high vitamin A and beta-carotene content can increase your iron absorption two or even threefold. Foods rich in vitamin and beta carotene include carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, squash, red peppers, cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, kale, and oranges.

Meat, Poultry, and Fish

These foods are rich in iron but also promote both heme and non-heme iron absorption. While meats, fish, and poultry provide iron absorption qualities, they are dwarfed by the effects of increasing intake for Vitamins C and A, as well as beta-carotene.

Foods that Inhibit Iron Absorption:

Some foods, while they provide essential nutrients, are not conducive to iron absorption. People, especially caregivers, need to monitor the intake of the following foods if they are dealing with iron deficiency.

-Egg protein

-Tannic acid

-Coffee

-Cocoa

-High Fiber foods

-Phytic Acid (found in legumes, grains, and other plant foods)

The inhibiting effect of these foods can be counteracted with the Vitamin C rich foods mentioned earlier in this article. People suffering from anemia can alleviate their symptoms by carefully measuring their intake of these nutrients.

Conclusion:

Without proper iron intake, you face serious health risks. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (a condition occurring due to low iron intake) include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, sensitivity to cold, and poor attention span. Give yourself the right nutrients to absorb more iron. Alternatively, there’s a new iron-absorption supplement called Iron-Catch. Iron-Catch doesn’t come with the same side-effects as traditional iron supplements. The all-natural supplement is rich in vitamins and minerals, giving effective results within 30 days.

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How to Fight Iron Deficiency Naturally?

iron-deficiency
Young woman taking medicine

Anemia caused by iron deficiency, a state in which the body is unable to produce hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to the rest of the body. This naturally leads to several symptoms that affect normal life. Correcting these symptoms by detecting and taking the right iron supplements will lead to a healthy and happy life. Introducing Iron Catch, a non-iron supplement in your regular diet will help in normal iron absorption and in coping with iron deficiency naturally.

iron-deficiency

Iron is an essential component of the body and very often we find more women than men suffering from deficiencies. Iron deficiency in the body occurs when the body lacks mineral iron and is unable to absorb iron from food substitutes. This causes a condition called Anemia when red blood cells in the body begin to decrease. Iron is the chief component that helps to form hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen in the body. Therefore, it is important to have enough hemoglobin in the body so that the tissues and organs get adequate oxygen to function at its best. 

The causes of Anemia

The most common causes of anemia are improper diet, blood loss due to heavy periods, internal or external bleeding, inflammatory bowels and increased need during pregnancy.

The symptoms of Anemia

It is easy to detect the obvious symptoms of Anemia. However, signs and symptoms are different with age, so it is advisable to get a hemoglobin test done from time to time. The most common symptoms are:

Fatigue  

Your body feels tired and requires perpetual rest. It does not have enough blood cells carrying oxygen and there is a perpetual feeling of tiredness. Your heart needs to pump and distribute oxygen-rich blood with greater effort to the whole-body causing exhaustion. Most people confuse fatigue as an outfall of their daily chores but in reality, it can be anemia. 

Dull pallor on the face

Your face starts losing its brightness and there is an unmistakable dull pallor on the face. The skin under lower eyelids is pale along with lips and nails. Those are the first sings that doctors detect. However, they still recommend a test as that is the surest way to confirm anemia.  

Breathlessness

Being out of breath could have other reasons too, but this is also a sign of anemia. So, do not ignore it. The oxygen level can be low when you are suffering from a cold or any lung ailment too, but it is better to be sure. Walking or climbing stairs leave you gasping? An iron deficiency test is highly recommended. 

Regular headaches and feeling unstable

Low level of blood cells and the Anemia caused by iron deficiency can cause persistent headaches. Don’t confuse it with any other ailment as many are prone to do. When you suddenly get up after sitting for a long time, you can feel dizzy and unstable. These signs could mean that your body is not getting enough oxygen and iron deficiency caused by anemia is preventing the formation of new blood cells in the body. 

Faster heartbeats

Iron deficiency caused by anemia leads to faster pumping of blood in the heart. It is hard work for the organ that leads to palpitation. So even when you are sitting you will spot a noticeable difference in the heartbeat. When in doubt a test is required.

Conclusion

These are some of the sure signs of anemia and it is always best to determine with a test. Once you find yourself suffering from anemiacaused by iron deficiency, consult a doctor instead of self-treatment. Your doctors will recommend an increase in the intake of iron-rich food with iron supplements. Inclusion of red meat and poultry is extremely beneficial along with leafy spinach. However, in some cases, the body cannot absorb iron from these natural substances and iron supplements are needed. In that case, you could try Iron Catch https://www.iron-catch.com, a non-iron supplement that helps in normal iron absorption and fights iron deficiency naturally. 

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Detecting and curing Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it’s often seen that many woman suffer from iron deficiency. This leads to high-risk factors and symptoms that can cause serious disorders during pregnancy. Lets take a dive and read learn about the various ways of detecting and preventing iron deficiency during pregnancy. 

What causes iron deficiency during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that’s responsible for carrying oxygen to your tissues. While being pregnant you naturally require double the amount of iron for yourself and your baby as compared to non-pregnant women. The body needs more blood to supply enough oxygen to your baby. Therefore, if there’s a shortage of stored iron in your body then woman are more prone to develop anemia.

What harm can iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy cause to the baby?

Deficiency of iron or anemia during pregnancy can be severe. If you have anemia which has not been checked or cured during pregnancy, there is an increased chance of premature birth. Children are often seen to have low body weight with postpartum depression. In some acute cases, it has been seen and very unfortunate circumstances that there is severe complications of an infant at birth. 

anemia during pregnancy

What are the risk factors of anemia in pregnancy?

The factors that cause anemia during pregnancy are:

  • If you are pregnant in quick succession without much gap
  • You are pregnant with more than one baby 
  • Morning sickness or vomiting increases 
  • You’re not taking enough iron supplements 
  • You have pre-pregnancy heavy menstrual flow 
  • Already have a history of anemia before you became pregnant 

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in pregnancy?

The most common symptoms of anemia or iron deficiency include 

  • Fatigue 
  • Weakness 
  • A pale or yellowish skin 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Feeling dizzy or light on the head 
  • Occasional or frequent chest pains 
  • Hands and feet remaining cold 
  • Continuous headaches 

Symptoms of anemia are quite similar to that of general pregnancy. It is a good idea to get a screening done to make sure that you are not suffering from iron deficiency. If you are, seek help from your doctor. 

How to prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Most prenatal vitamins contain iron. They help prevent and treat the deficiency of anemia.  Doctors often recommend vitamin b12 for iron deficiency during pregnancy. Your nutritionist will prescribe an iron-rich diet that will include lean red meat, poultry and fish. A breakfast that includes cereal, prune juice, dates, dries beans and apples also help in replenishing iron in the body.

Iron is best absorbed in the body from animal products.  To enable iron absorption in the body it is important to complement it with plant supplements. Vitamin C helps in iron absorption. If you have your iron supplement or tablet with vitamin C or a glass of orange juice, your body can absorb the iron faster. Strawberries and tomato juice are also equally effective. Calcium is another essential nutrient that is required during pregnancy. A decrease in calcium will lead to low iron absorption in the body.

How to treat iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Most prenatal vitamins contain a good amount of iron prescribed by physicians all over the world during pregnancy. In some cases, you might have to consult a doctor or a hematologist, as people having a history in gastric diseases or those with bowel surgery might not be able to tolerate the oral iron dose. In such a situation they would need intravenous administration to replenish the lost iron in their body. 

Conclusion

Iron is an important component for both you and your baby. If you detect any of the symptoms mentioned above, then do not hesitate to consult a physician and get a thorough screening done. Remember your baby’s health depends upon you. If you stay healthy so does your baby. 

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Iron deficiency

Antacids as a Risk and the Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Antacids-as-a-Risk

The term “antacids” is used to describe certain compounds that neutralize stomach acids, such as Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, and others. They directly neutralize the stomach acid and contain various forms of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum as active ingredients. Other drugs work by reducing the stomach production of acid (H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors). Antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc, and other minerals by neutralizing stomach acid. Research suggests that antacids physically bind to folate and reduce its absorption by the body. Antacids that contain calcium may also compete for absorption with iron and impair iron absorption. Studies have shown that sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate causes the plasma iron to be increase to be 50% and 67% less than the control values. Another study shows that both calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide markedly reduce the amount of iron retained by the body.

heartburn

PPI –Short Overview

The introduction of PPI (proton-pump inhibitors) into clinical routine practice happened almost 30 years ago. These medications are widely used in different countries treating wide range of acid-related problems, such as: heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus. All of the members of this class of drugs share similar mechanism ofaction, by irreversibly blocking the hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (the H+/K+ATPase, or, more commonly, the gastric proton pump) of the gastric parietal cells. The proton pump is the terminal stage in the secretion of Hydrochloric Acid into the stomach lumen, making it the ideal target for acid secretion inhibiting.

PPI –safety issues

Although generally regarded as safe class of medications, in USA FDA has advised that no more than three 14-day treatment courses should be used in one year. In general, short-term use of PPI is well-tolerated, with relatively low incidence of side effects. These usually involve: headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and dizziness. Long-term use of PPI should always consider the balance between benefits and risks of the therapy. Clinical reviews on PPI long-term use recommend that PPIs should be used at the lowest effective dose in people with a proven indication, but discourage dose escalation and continued chronic therapy in people unresponsive to initial empiric therapy.

vitamins-and-minerals

PPI and Nutritional status of some important vitamins and minerals

One of the quite important drawbacks of PPI use is their influence on status of certain nutritional ingredients. There are publications in the scientific literature showing reduction of Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Calcium in patients on PPI therapy. This reduction is mainly considered to be the consequence of changing the pH-status in gastrointestinal system, influencing the absorption of these certain ingredients. Vitamin B12 reduced levels have a detrimental influence on the function of different systems and organs in our body, such as central and peripheral nervous system function, production of red blood cells. Reduction in calcium absorption can lead to increased risk of fractures. Regarding MAGNESIUM, FDA issued the warning in February 2011, indicating that PPI-use is associated with hypomagnesemia. This phenomenon can cause different symptoms in the organism, including leg cramps, headache and others.

IRON-DEFFICIENCY

PPI, H2-receptor antagonists and IRON DEFFICIENCY

Lately, more and more publications raise the concern about PPI use and iron levels in the blood. A new study (Journal of Internal Medicine, 2018) from UK on more than 26,500 participants showed that there is a risk of more than 3.6 times to develop iron deficiency anemia in patients on chronic PPI therapy (>12 months) in comparison with non-PPI users and there is more than 1.5 time risk of iron deficiency anemia in intermittent (on-off) PPI users in comparison with non-users. Another study made on more than 450,000 (77 thousand newly diagnosed patients with iron deficiency vs 389,000 controls) participants covering a 15 year span (1999-2013) from USA, published in 2017 in the journal – GASTROENTEROLOGY, showed similar results: patients on PPI chronic therapy (more than 24 months) exhibited the 2.5-time higher risk of iron deficiency in comparison with non-users. PPI is not the only class of acid-lowering medications influencing the iron status in the body. The use of H2-antagonists (famotidine, ranetidine) was also shown as a risk factor for developing of Iron deficiency. The use of more than 2 years of H2-receptor antagonists is associated with the risk of more than 50% to develop iron deficiency in comparison to the non-users.

Apart with time-dependent risk of developing iron deficiency, a dose dependency also exist. The larger the daily dose of PPI taken (the base dose was Omeprazole 20mg once daily) –the higher the risk of developing IRON deficiency anemia. The exact mechanism behind the influence of PPI on absorption rate of iron in GI tract is not yet fully elucidated. However, by increasing the pH levels in PPI-treated patients, there is the decrease in the reduction of iron into it’s most bioavailable form –ferrous iron (Fe2+), and subsequently reduction in absorption efficiency and rate. Special populations who should be closely monitored in terms of their iron levels while on PPI, are elderly people and women of child-bearing age, who might plan their pregnancy, a period inlife when sufficient level of iron is of very high importance. Since there are medical conditions requiring long-term PPI use, there is a need for solutions preventing and minimizing the risks of Iron deficiency anemia.

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Taking Supplements – Is It Good Or Bad?

Contrary to popular belief, popping supplements is not the key to staying healthy. It may come as a shock to many that these ‘healthy’ supplements also come with their own harmful side effects. 

Dietary supplements are flooding the supermarket shelves; people are buying these over-the-counter medicines by the dozen. There’s something for every deficiency a human can complain of – pop a vitamin C or zinc tablet if you feel you are not able to see properly, swallow iron pills if you are looking pale or have low hemoglobin levels, take calcium to keep your bones strong, scarf up on fish oil capsules to reduce the threatening triglyceride levels and so on!

best iron supplement

Indeed, the combination of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes are being hailed as the passport to living a long and healthy life, free of heart disease and other chronic ailments. To give them their due, supplements can help balance out nutritional deficiencies in the body and keep you healthy. While some deliver vital substances to the body, some can even reduce the risk of certain diseases.

However, most people are blissfully unaware of the vitamin D, folic acid, probiotics, calcium and iron supplement side effects. A recent study by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the National Institute of Health reveals that herbal and dietary supplements’ induced liver injury accounts for 20% of cases of hepatotoxicity in the United States!

Indeed, the beneficial-sounding dietary supplements are not without their own side effects. Let’s take a look at some of them:

  • While supplements can help cover deficient nutrients in the body, they cannot become a replacement for a healthy and balanced diet. Eating a variety of nutritional foods is crucial.
  • Some supplements can cause a serious reaction or illness in the body. Some can cause complications during surgeries or even reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. They can prove dangerous for pregnant women and children.
  • Especially combining supplements or taking them along with some medications (heart disease, blood thinners, diurectics, steroids) can prove to be harmful or even life-threatening.
  • Substituting supplements for prescription medicines are bound to lead to grave consequences.
  • Too much of a nutrient is also not a good thing as they are not naturally eliminated from the body.  Excess vitamin A can cause headaches, liver damage and even birth defects. Surfeit of calcium and vitamin D may increase the risk of kidney stones. Extra iron can lead to nausea, seizures, coma and even death.

Therefore, self-diagnosing or relying on the internet for taking ‘appropriate’ supplements is not advisable. Do not trust claims like ‘lowers high cholesterol’, ‘reduces blood pressure’ or ‘treats heart disease’ either.

Think twice before popping the pills into your mouth. Consider the potential benefits, safety risks, proper dosage and duration for taking the supplements. It is always better to run the supplement by your healthcare provider and find out if it is actually beneficial and safe for you! In such a scenario, the best iron supplement can be the one that does not contain iron at all. Indeed, Iron Catch (www.iron-catch.com) is an innovative supplement that simply enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron, thus restoring the depleted iron stores in the body. It is therefore free of the common side effects associated with regular supplements!

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Low Red Blood Cells? Find Out If You Have Anemia

iron-deficiency

The most common reason of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is a vital micro element in human body that is responsible for the formation of hemoglobin. It is a protein that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. About one third of iron is stored as hemosiderin and ferritin in spleen, bone marrow and the liver.

iron-deficiency

When someone develops anemia, the person is said to be anemic and is usually more tired, cold and looks pale. There can be different reasons what causes anemia but each of them causes a drop in the circulation of red blood cells. It can happen because any of the following reasons –

  • the body fails to produce enough hemoglobin
  • the body is producing the protein but cannot work properly
  • there is low red blood cells count in the body
  • the body breaks down the RBC is too fast

How common is anemia?

More than 2 billion people in the world, which is approximately 30% of the total population, suffers from anemia. It is more common in countries that have fewer resources. More than 3 million Americans are estimated to suffer from this disorder.

Who can be affected?

The truth is, anyone can suffer from iron deficiency. But iron deficiency anemia can affect the following people the most –

  • Women – because monthly menstruation often cause excessive blood loss. The condition can worsen if she has a condition like fibroids  Children – kids below 2 years of age need iron for their growth so any less intake can cause the condition
  • People over 65 – they are like to suffer from iron poor diet and for them it can even lead to a chronic condition
  • People living on blood thinners such as aspirin can have the deficiency of iron

Signs and symptoms

Most common symptoms of iron anemia deficiency includes but not limited to –

  • headache
  • dizziness or constant weakness
  • dry skin, paleness or bruises on skin
  • restless leg syndrome
  • fast heartbeat

Decreased absorption of food

This is one of the main reasons for iron deficiency. For people whose diet do not include heme iron is one of the major reasons for iron deficiency anemia. Heme iron can be absorbed more effectively than the non-heme iron which are available in plant based foods. Although Vitamin C and B12, zinc and folate can help in facilitating non heme absorption, you have to be careful about your diet chart which actually interfere with the iron absorption rate.

Proton pump inhibitors, antacids, calcium supplements have been studied to inhibit iron absorption in the body.

How is it diagnosed and detected?

Normally, there are tests that check the hemoglobin amount in the body. Hematocrit provides the percentage measure of the RBC in the blood which indicates the amount of iron reserve in the body. It also helps to understand the iron binding capacity. There are some tests which is used to calculate transferrin iron saturation which is a measure of the iron in the transit in the serum.

Sometimes a complete blood count, zinc protoporphyrin, reticulocyte hemoglobin content are done to test and diagnose the body condition.

Treatment

Treating iron anemia deficiency can have different approaches depending on the condition and the threat of anemia. There can be an increased demand if you are in a growing spurt or are pregnant. If you have any blood loss condition such as heavy periods or elaborate surgeries, the interference with iron absorption will be different. For some, the approaches can be as simple as change in the diet while for others there can be a need to take iron supplements.

If you suspect you have iron deficit, take the help of a medical professional. Iron catch is one of the top iron supplements which are made from various vitamins and minerals and fish oligosaccharides that can help to promote normal iron absorption. With the first iron free iron deficiency solution, you can get improved iron absorption rate in the body. People reported fast and effective results within a month of consumption. Although there is no stated side effects like any other typical iron supplement, you should speak to your health care provider before taking it regularly.