How To Spot Iron Deficiency
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | Leave a Comment
Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue and a lack of stamina. This is the result of fewer and paler red blood cells and a reduced ability of these cells to hold and carry oxygen. Iron deficiency in children has been reported to produce psychological problems, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, decreased attention span and a lowered IQ as well as anemia. Other common iron deficiency symptoms are headaches, dizziness, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation and a weakened immunity. Anemia manifests itself as pallor of the skin, cheeks, lips and tongue. Canker sores in the mouth, hair loss, brittle nails and itching are other common symptoms.
People who suffer from iron deficiency will sometimes have unusual food cravings which promptly disappear after iron supplementation is successful. In children, iron deficiency may cause a strange symptom called “pica”, a term which refers to the eating or chewing of inedible objects such as toys, clay or ice. Iron treatment stops the behavior. Iron deficiency can be confirmed by blood tests, the most sensitive of which is the serum ferritin level. It might surprise you to know that the best sources of iron are vegetarian:
HIGH IRON CONTAINING FOODS
Mgs. iron per 100 grams (4 ounces) Foods
100.0 kelp
17.3 brewer’s yeast
16.1 blackstrap molasses
14.9 wheat bran
11.2 pumpkin seeds
10.5 whole sesame seeds
9.4 wheat germ
8.8 beef liver
7.1 sunflower seeds
6.8 millet
6.2 parsley
3.8 cashews
3.5 raisins
2.3 eggs
1.9 tofu
1.5 chicken
1.2 salmon
Dr. Rona
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