Our body is made up of various elements of different natures. Among its components are what we call trace elements, which are present in our body in tiny quantities but are of great importance for the other functions of metabolism. One of these trace elements is iron, present mostly related to red blood cells since it is essential for the functioning of these cells.
A blood test is indicated to assess the levels of iron present in the Blood, which we know as serum iron. When serum iron levels are too low in our body, it can create a series of symptoms that can cause concern in the person. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain everything related to low serum iron: signs so that you are aware of them if they occur. We will also give you some tips on foods that you can consume to increase iron levels.
Table of Contents
What does iron do in our bodies?
Iron is an essential element for different metabolic processes in our body. For starters, iron is one of the compounds that make up red blood cells, specifically hemoglobin, the pigment in these cells that allows Blood to transport. Due to this, it can be affirmed that iron is of utmost importance for the correct transport of oxygen from our lungs to the different organs that require it.
Once in contact with the cells to be oxygenated, the red blood cells release oxygen, thus actively participating in the cellular respiration process and allowing the cells to carry out their metabolic processes. This is of particular importance in terms of the energy generation processes of cells, and muscle contraction, which is an action that requires a large amount of oxygen and where there is also another protein called myoglobin which also has iron in its composition and is responsible for storing oxygen for later use.
In collagen formation, iron also participates in DNA synthesis processes, contributes to the immune system, and is a catalyst for different metabolic processes. In the following article, you will be able to delve into what sideremia is and the average values of iron in the Blood.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Most of the symptoms related to low serum iron levels are due to a deficient oxygen supply. Among the most common symptoms are the following:
- Tiredness: because oxygen is a fundamental element in generating energy for the cells; therefore, for the body, its deficit will cause constant fatigue or exhaustion that does not seem to have an explanation, and it can hinder the development of day-to-day activities.
- Weakness: since iron is essential to have a reserve of oxygen in the muscles necessary for their normal contraction, its lack can produce a feeling of weakness, further enhanced by fatigue due to lack of energy which we talked about earlier.
- Paleness: Iron deficiency can cause superficial tissue pallor due to poor oxygenation. In addition, the color of oxygenated Blood is the typical red color of Blood, which contributes to giving us our color. When it loses its oxygen, the Blood also loses the intensity of its color, thus contributing to pallor.
- Palpitations: by decreasing the levels of oxygen that circulate in our blood, the heart can make an additional effort to pump more blood per minute to meet the body’s needs. This can cause palpitations and rapid heartbeats to occur.
- Dizziness: when little oxygen reaches our brain, one of the primary sensations is dizziness, the leading cause of fainting. Iron deficiencies may be enough to create this symptom by not supplying our brain with the necessary oxygen.
How can I raise my iron levels?
Keeping in mind which foods provide iron to our body and modifying our diet to include more of these foods may be enough to control iron levels in our Blood. There are two types of iron in food, of which heme iron is found in foods of animal origin, such as:
- Liver
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Cordero
- Turkey
- Fish
On the other hand, there is non-heme iron, which is of plant origin; we can get it in:
- Lentils
- Spinach
- Chard
- Comino
- Oregano
- Pepper
- Nuts
In the following FastlyHealarticle, you will find the best recipes to increase iron.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Low serum iron: symptoms, we recommend that you enter our Blood, heart and circulation category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.