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| A deficiency of iron can occur in the body for a variety of reasons, such as inadequate intake, poor absorption (for example chronic diarrhoea or malabsorption syndrome), increased iron demands (as in pregnancy) and abnormal loss of blood from the body (for example hookworm, gastric ulcers and frequent or excessive menstruation). Anemia is the most common form of iron deficiency. The total iron content of a person varies with age, sex, nutrition, and state of health. It is an essential element for the formation of hemoglobin of red blood cells; about 60-70% of iron is contained in hemoglobin. Muscle tissues contain about 3% of iron as myoglobin. The body stores iron in the liver, spleen, kidneys and bone marrow as ferritin, hemosiderin and siderophilin. Iron-containing protein is responsible for transport of oxygen from our lungs to different organs. With out oxygen, none of the tissues can survive. Causes & Development Most people get enough iron in their diet, but chronic bleeding from any cause, such as menstruation, results in iron loss which may exceed intake, resulting in an additional requirement. A shortage of iron is most commonly evidenced by iron-deficiency anemia. However, body stores of iron must be significantly depleted before anemia begins to develop. |
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