Iron is a microelement, a mineral responsible for a series of cellular processes. These range from the transport of oxygen in the blood, which in turn irrigates tissues and organs, to enzyme activity.
WHAT DOES IRON DO?
Iron is the essential component of haemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and of myoglobin, the protein that oxygenates the muscles.
It contributes to the activity of many enzymes, and our body uses it to produce hormones and connective tissue.
Foods that are high in iron include: meat, fish, vegetables, especially those with dark green leaves (such as spinach), nuts, legumes (lentils, beans, peas) and cereals.
It should be noted that, unlike animal-based foods, vegetable-based foods contain substances that can inhibit the absorption of iron. For this reason, it is necessary to combine vegetables with foods rich in vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption.
IRON DEFICIENCY
According to European dietary reference values, the recommended daily iron intake for the average adult is around 14mg, but this may vary according to age, gender, and conditions such as breastfeeding and pregnancy.
Pregnant women are among those who need greater quantities of iron. This is because, during pregnancy, there is an increase in the quantity of blood, which, in turn, requires a greater supply of oxygen for the mother and baby.
Problems related to iron deficiency include:
Anaemia, i.e. the reduction of red blood cells in the blood, is one of the main causes of the decrease in oxygen in tissues and organs.
Fatigue, lack of energy
Gastrointestinal disorders
Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
Thermoregulation problems
Weakened immune defences
EXCESS IRON
While iron deficiency can be harmful, excessive iron levels can also have serious and, at times, fatal consequences.
It takes a very large amount of iron to put the body in a state of iron overload. Specifically, hundreds of milligrams. However, hemochromatosis is a hereditary condition which can lead to the accumulation of toxic iron levels in the body.
If left untreated, it can cause more serious disease such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and/or cardiovascular disease.
The main effects of excess iron in the blood are:
Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fainting
Reduced zinc absorption
Stomach issues
It is important to feed the body with necessary elements. Palazzo Fiuggi knows this and, for this reason, provides a team of doctors who will take care of you throughout your stay in our facility, accompanying you step by step on the path to physical and mental well-being.
We invite you to look at the informational articles in our magazine. To learn more, you can also visit MAGNESIUM AND ALL ITS BENEFITS.
And we invite you to visit our website, Palazzo Fiuggi, to discover our available treatments.