Iron Deficiency

Yesterday, I went for blood donation at IIUM mosque. Unluckily, after the blood test the doctor said that I can’t donate blood. It’s because my blood has low iron level. Oh, I was so frustrated at that time! Then, I went back to mahallah and did some research on that: what happen if someone has low iron level.. and what are the symptoms? And you know what, I was not only getting the answer for my low iron level, but also the answer for other sickness as well.

Iron has long been known to be important for red blood cell function because of its fundamental role in the hemoglobin molecule. Hemoglobin is the molecule that carries oxygen to the tissues from the lungs and returns with carbon dioxide from the cells. It is closely related to myoglobin, which is responsible for energy production in the muscles. Iron is necessary for the red cells to function properly.

These are the symptoms of iron deficiency:

• Anemia
• Tiredness
• Pale skin
• Sleep problems
• “Restless legs”
• Impaired mental/ intellectual function
• Learning, growth and behavioral disturbances in children
• Breathlessness
• Poor body temperature regulation
• Frequent infections
• Some type of deafness

Tips on increasing the content of iron in blood:

• It is a well known fact that iron is best absorbed when you eat meat! So meat should be one of the main sources for recovering your health.

• Certain food or vegetables are known to help your body recover iron better take for example try to eat rich in vitamin C food (fruits & natural juice) or even consider taking pills that contain vitamin C.

• The doctor might recommend to buy from pharmacy iron pills, they also provide a great support for your body so you shouldn’t miss this opportunity to improve your body condition.

• Fruits, natural juice, iron bread, iron cereals, nuts will provide a great support for high iron content. Take advantage of them as much as possible!