Situations leading to iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can be caused by an increased need or an insufficient intake. Also, if there is a high blood loss the body loses a lot of iron. And this leads to an increased need for iron.
High blood loss may be due to:
- birth
- surgery
- heavy menstruation
- chronic bleeding
- blood donation.
Situations leading to poor iron absorption from food:
Unbalanced diet: Unbalanced diet can favor iron deficiency. Furthermore, excessive consummation of coffee, black tea or white flour can cause malabsorption. Our body absorbs iron from animal origin easier than most plant-based iron (except extracts from curry leaf). Good iron suppliers like amaranth, oat, sprouts, pulses, dried fruits and nuts are good for everyone, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Preparations for stomach protecting: The intake of these preparations reduces the acidity of the stomach. This leads to a worse iron absorption.
Stomach surgery: After stomach reduction or stomach bypass regular controls of the iron level are necessary.
Digestive disorders: Digestive disorders caused by food intolerances like lactose intolerance or celiac disease may lead to iron deficiency.
Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases like chronic gastro-enteritis, chronic cardio-vascular diseases, renal dysfunction and cancer may trigger iron deficiency. Due to the chronic inflammatory state the liver produces a substance suppressing iron absorption.
In iron deficiency #4 you will read about how to prevent development resp. recurrence.
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