- Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism. Iron is also essential in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Approximately 15 percent of the body's iron is stored for future needs and mobilized when dietary intake is inadequate. The body usually maintains normal iron status by controlling the amount of iron absorbed from food.
- The World Health Organization considers iron deficiency to be the largest international nutritional disorder. Approximately 50% of anemia worldwide is attributable to iron deficiency.
- Iron deficiency may be determined by measurement of iron levels within the body, mainly serum ferritin levels, which may also help distinguish between iron deficiency anemia and anemia associated with chronic disease, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and nonheme. Sources of heme iron include meat, fish, and poultry. Sources of nonheme iron, which is not absorbed as well as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals, and grain products. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries, and nuts.
- Vegan and vegetarian diets may increase the risk of deficiencies for certain vitamins and minerals, including iron.
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Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Black MM, Baqui AH, Zaman K, et al. Iron and zinc supplementation promote motor development and exploratory behavior among Bangladeshi infants. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80(4):903-910.
View Abstract - Chimonas MA, Baggett HC, Parkinson AJ, et al. Asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency are not associated with decreased growth among Alaska Native children aged 7-11 years. Helicobacter 2006 Jun;11(3):159-67.
View Abstract - Cogswell ME, Parvanta I, Ickes L, et al. Iron supplementation during pregnancy, anemia, and birth weight: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78(4):773-781.
View Abstract - Dawson B, Goodman C, Blee T, et al. Iron supplementation: oral tablets versus intramuscular injection. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2006 Apr;16(2):180-6.
View Abstract - Falkingham, M., Abdelhamid, A., Curtis, P., Fairweather-Tait, S., Dye, L., and Hooper, L. The effects of oral iron supplementation on cognition in older children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr J 2010;9:4.
View Abstract - Makrides M, Crowther CA, Gibson RA, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of low-dose iron supplements during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78(1):145-153. . View Abstract
- Milman N, Bergholt T, Eriksen L, et al. Iron prophylaxis during pregnancy -- how much iron is needed? A randomized dose- response study of 20-80 mg ferrous iron daily in pregnant women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2005;84(3):238-247.
View Abstract - Radtke H, Tegtmeier J, Rocker L, et al. Daily doses of 20 mg of elemental iron compensate for iron loss in regular blood donors: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Transfusion 2004;44(10):1427-1432.
View Abstract - Rozen-Zvi, B., Gafter-Gvili, A., Paul, M., et al. Intravenous versus oral iron supplementation for the treatment of anemia in CKD: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Kidney Dis 2008;52(5):897-906.
View Abstract - Schroder O, Schrott M, Blumenstein I, et al. A study for the evaluation of safety and tolerability of intravenous high-dose iron sucrose in patients with iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Z Gastroenterol 2004;42(8):663-667.
View Abstract - Toblli, J. E. and Brignoli, R. Iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex in iron deficiency anemia / review and meta-analysis. Arzneimittelforschung 2007;57(6A):431-438.
View Abstract - Wang, B., Zhan, S., Xia, Y., et al. Effect of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetra-acetate (NaFeEDTA) on haemoglobin and serum ferritin in iron-deficient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr 2008;100(6):1169-1178.
View Abstract - Weatherall M, Maling TJ. Oral iron therapy for anaemia after orthopaedic surgery: randomized clinical trial. ANZ J Surg 2004;74(12):1049-1051.
View Abstract - Zhou SJ, Gibson RA, Crowther CA, et al. Effect of iron supplementation during pregnancy on the intelligence quotient and behavior of children at 4 y of age: long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2006 May;83(5):1112-7.
View Abstract - Zimmermann MB, Muthayya S, Moretti D, et al. Iron fortification reduces blood lead levels in children in Bangalore, India. Pediatrics 2006 Jun;117(6):2014-21.
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