Why is iron important for the body? Iron is an important mineral in our body and has several functions that are crucial to our health. One of the most important functions of iron is to contribute to the production of hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the cells in our body.
Iron also plays an important role in the production of myoglobin, which is a protein found in the muscles that helps to transport oxygen to the muscle cells. Iron is also a necessary component of many enzymes involved in the metabolism of our cells, and also helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
It is important to have sufficient iron intake to maintain these functions. Iron is found in various foods, including red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, green leafy vegetables and dried fruit.
Symptoms of low iron levels
The symptoms of low iron levels in the body can vary, but some common symptoms can be:
- Tiredness and fatigue: iron is essential for transporting oxygen in our body, so if you lack iron, you may feel tired and fatigued.
- Dizziness and headaches: Low iron levels can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, which can lead to dizziness and headaches.
- Shortness of breath and wheezing: Low iron levels can also lead to reduced oxygen supply to the lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Pale skin: Low levels of iron can reduce the production of hemoglobin in the body, which can lead to pale skin.
HERE you can see more common symptoms and read more about how they affect the body.
What can you do if you experience symptoms of low iron levels?
If you experience any of the above symptoms or think you may have low iron levels, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out if you have low iron levels. A blood test can easily confirm if you have low iron levels.
