Deficiency, iron

Deficiency, iron
The most common known form of nutritional disorder in the world, iron deficiency results in anemia because iron is necessary to make hemoglobin, key molecule in red blood cells responsible for the transport of oxygen. In iron deficiency anemia, the red cells appear abnormal and are unusually small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). The pallor of the red cells reflects their low hemoglobin content. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is highest in children and women of childbearing age (particularly pregnant women). In pregnant women, iron deficiency increases the risk for a preterm delivery and delivering a low-birthweight baby. In children, iron deficiency causes developmental delays, behavioral disturbances, failure to thrive (grow) and increased infections. Iron deficiency is a major problem in developed countries such as the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. In developing countries, iron deficiency anemia is frequently exacerbated by malaria and worm infections. The treatment of iron deficiency anemia , whether it be in children or adults, is with iron and iron-containing foods. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and cereals (especially those fortified with iron). According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Recommended Dietary Allowances of iron are 15 milligrams per day for women and 10 milligrams per day for men. Do NOT give iron supplements to children unless the doctor recommends it. A cause of iron deficiency anemia is the ulcer bacteria. The successful treatment of infection with Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria associated with irritation of the stomach lining and stomach ulcers) may also resolve iron deficiency

Medical dictionary. 2011.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Iron supplements — are supplements that can be prescribed by a doctor for a medical reason. Iron can also be a dietary supplement, which can be purchased in supermarkets etc. These two categories should not be confused. The first iron pills were commonly known as… …   Wikipedia

  • Iron overload — Micrograph of haemosiderosis. Liver biopsy. Iron stain. ICD 10 R …   Wikipedia

  • Iron deficiency anemia — For a discussion of iron deficiency more broadly, see the Wikipedia article iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and is also known as sideropenic anemia. It is the most common cause of microcytic anemia. Iron …   Wikipedia

  • iron — ironless, adj. ironlike, adj. /uy euhrn/, n. 1. Chem. a ductile, malleable, silver white metallic element, scarcely known in a pure condition, but much used in its crude or impure carbon containing forms for making tools, implements, machinery,… …   Universalium

  • deficiency — /di fish euhn see/, n., pl. deficiencies. 1. the state of being deficient; lack; incompleteness; insufficiency. 2. the amount lacked; a deficit. [1625 35; < LL deficientia, L deficient (s. of deficiens). See DEFICIENT, ENCY] Syn. 1. shortage,… …   Universalium

  • Iron deficiency (plant disorder) — Iron (Fe) deficiency is a plant disorder also known as ‘lime induced chlorosis’. A deficiency in the soil is rare. Iron can be unavailable if pH is too high or if the soil is waterlogged, or has been overfertilised with phosphorus. Can be… …   Wikipedia

  • iron deficiency — deficiency of iron in the system, usually caused by blood loss, low dietary levels of iron, or a disease condition that inhibits iron uptake. Three stages of severity are distinguished: iron depletion, latent iron deficiency, and iron deficiency… …   Medical dictionary

  • Iron poisoning — is caused by a large excess of iron intake. It has been primarily been associated with young children who consumed large quantities of iron supplement pills, which resemble sweets and are widely used, including by pregnant women. Targeted… …   Wikipedia

  • iron-deficiency anemia — n anemia that is caused by a deficiency of iron and characterized by hypochromic microcytic red blood cells …   Medical dictionary

  • Iron(II) sulfate — Other names Ferrous sulfate; green vitriol; iron vitriol; copperas; melanterite; szomolnokite …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”