What is Iron? The effect of iron on the body you need to know
28.05.23
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Iron – is an essential trace element for the human body. It has an important effect on metabolism, energy metabolism, and the production of red blood cells in the blood. However, if iron deficiency is present, the body can face many serious health problems. Therefore, understanding the effects of iron on the body is very important to be able to maintain good health. Follow Solife’s article below for the most detailed information.
1. What is Iron?
Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral for the human body. It participates in the production of red blood cells, provides oxygen to cells in the body, and helps strengthen the immune system and energy for the body. However, iron deficiency in the body will cause health problems, including anemia, weakness, and disruption to the functioning of organs.
2. The effects of iron on the body
What effect does iron have on the human body? The following are a few important uses of iron.
2.1 Improve symptoms of anemia
This micronutrient is needed to produce red blood cells, a type of blood cell that carries oxygen to other cells in the body. When the body lacks them, the production of red blood cells is disrupted, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and the amount of oxygen in the blood.
The effect of iron here is accomplished through the production of new red blood cells, which in turn improves oxygen-carrying capacity and reduces symptoms of anemia.
2.2 Improve and increase awareness
Studies have shown that iron deficiency can lead to mental decline, memory loss, decreased concentration, and attention, as well as affect other cognitive functions.
Therefore, the effect of iron on the brain is important. In addition to enhancing memory, iron also helps maintain the functioning of nerve cells and enhances reflexes.
2.3 Increase body energy
Iron is essential in the metabolism of energy in the body. They have the ability to enhance the ability to transport oxygen to cells, especially muscle cells, helping muscles work better and increasing strength and endurance. When the body lacks iron, energy metabolism is disrupted, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Read more: What is the function of iron? Is it fine to take iron and vitamin c at the same time
2.4 Mood improvement
In addition, iron is also an important component in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood and emotions. Iron deficiency can lead to decreased production of neurotransmitters, causing mood-related symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, and depression.
The effects of iron after adequate dietary intake are noted to increase the production of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin – a neurotransmitter involved in mood and emotions. Serotonin helps induce feelings of relaxation and well-being in the body, which improves mood and reduces symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
2.5 Strengthen the immune system
What is the effect of iron in improving the immune system? It is a component of many immune proteins, including hemoglobin (in red cells), myoglobin (in muscle), and cytokines (immunochemical). In addition, iron also helps provide energy for immune cells during growth and function.
When the body lacks this active ingredient, the immune system can be affected, causing a decline in immune function and making the body more susceptible to infections.
2.6 Reduce fatigue
One of the effects of iron is to reduce fatigue. This is an essential component for making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from the lungs to other cells in the body. Iron deficiency will reduce the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a decrease in the ability to carry oxygen and cause fatigue and exhaustion for the body.
2.7 Improve restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a fairly common sleep disorder, defined by a feeling of discomfort, hangover, or discomfort in the legs, especially at night or during prolonged sitting. This symptom can interfere with sleep and decrease quality of life.
Several studies have shown that people with RLS may have iron deficiency in their brains and nervous system. The effect of iron may reduce this syndrome because iron has an important role in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement and mood.
3. What are the signs of iron deficiency in the body?
When your body lacks iron, you can develop anemia. In addition, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue: Iron deficiency reduces the body’s ability to transport oxygen, thereby causing fatigue and exhaustion.
- Pale skin: due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood.
- Dizziness, dizziness: due to low oxygen supply to the brain, which causes dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness: Iron deficiency can affect concentration and memory, thereby making it difficult to study and work.
- Weakness in the body: low iron levels in the body reduce immunity and increase the risk of infections.
In summary, the effect of iron on the human body is extremely important. Getting enough iron in your daily diet can help improve many health issues, from improving symptoms of anemia, and boosting the immune system, to reducing fatigue and improving mood. This is especially important in maintaining a healthy and active life.
Read more: Side effects when taking iron you need to be aware of
Reference:
Trần Hoàng Uyên
Trần Hoàng Uyên (Senior Manager Pharmaceutical company) là chuyên gia cấp cao với nhiều năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực dược phẩm. Tốt nghiệp cử nhân chuyên ngành Quản lý dược I tại Trường Đại học Y dược TP. Hồ Chí Minh và hiện đang công tác tại công ty dược phẩm. Với hơn 10 năm kinh nghiệm làm việc trong ngành dược, chị Hoàng Uyên là chuyên gia cộng tác tham vấn y khoa cho danh mục blog cũng như các nội dung liên quan trên Solife. (Tran Hoang Uyen (Senior Manager Pharmaceutical company) is a senior specialist with many years of experience in the Pharmaceutical field. She graduated Bachelor of Pharmacy Management I at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City and is currently working for a pharmaceutical company. With more than 10 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, Ms. Hoang Uyen is a medical consultant collaborator for content on Solife's website.)