INTRODUCTION

Iron is most important among the minerals.it is the most common deficiency among females.Adult human body has about 3-4 gm,,in that 60-70% is present in blood and the remaining part in liver as storage

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS

1. It is essential in formation of hemoglobin
2. It regulates the body temperature
3. Muscle activity is dependent on the status of iron
4. It helps in catacholamine metabolism
5. It boosts up immune system
6. It is a constituent of myoglobin,cytochromes, catalyses and certain enzymes
7. The most important point ,it helps in oxygen transport and cell respiration

SOURCES

Animal origin haem iron-Liver,meat,poultry and fish.They are readily absorbed due to absence of inhibitors

Plant origin no haem iron-Cereals,green leafy vegetables,legumes,nuts,jaggery. Absorption is hampered by inhibitors ie,phytates,oxalates,carbonates,phosphates and dietery fibers

FACTORS WHICH HELP IN IRON ABSORPTION

Ascorbic acid is a promoter ,which helps absorption of iron.Absorption is more when there is enhanced demand.

STORAGE 

Stored in

• Liver
• Spleen
• Bone marrow
• Kidney

MODES OF IRON LOSS

1. Hemorrhage-Physiological -menstruation,child birth-pathologically by hook worm ,malaria,hemorrhoids,peptic ulcer
2. Basal losses-urine,sweat,bile,IUCD

STAGES OF IRON DEFICIENCY

• 1st stage-decreased iron store
• 2nd stage-latent iron deficiency ie exhausted iron store
• 3rd stage-iron deficiency in blood ie Anemia

Anemia-mild 10-11.9 gm%

Moderate – 8-9.9 gm%

Severe – below 8 gm %

CLINICAL FEATURES

1. Malaise
2. Breathlessness
3. Weight loss
4. oedema
5. pallor
6. angular stomatitis
7. glossitis
8. brittle finger nails
9. bald tngue

DIAGNOSIS

Blood test

• Hb% Normal value 12-14 g%-females,14-16 g% in males
• serum iron concentration 0.8-1.8 mg/L normal
• serum ferritin value below 10 mcg/L indicate absence of stored iron
• serum transferin saturation -it should be above 16%,normal is 30%

 

Prepared by: Dr SAJNA HAMZA A