About one third of the world’s population is iron deficient. Menstruating women are at greater risk than men and postmenopausal women of iron deficiency. It is thought that up to 5% of the Australian population has iron deficiency anaemia. Show
Roles of iron in the bodySome of the many roles of iron in the body include:
Recommended dietary iron intakesThe average person needs to absorb just a small amount of iron each day to stay healthy (around 1 mg for adult males and 1.5 mg for menstruating females). To achieve this, however, we need to consume several times that amount. This is because our bodies absorb only a fraction of the iron contained in the foods we eat. The Australian Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for iron is the amount of dietary iron required to meet the needs of most of the population. This amount is different for different age groups and life stages. Recommended dietary intakes (per day)
Types of iron in our dietsThe 2 types of iron found in our diets are:
How much iron do we absorb from our diet?How much iron you absorb from your diet depends on how much iron your body is storing. The healthy body absorbs around 18% of the available iron from a typical western diet (which includes animal foods) and about 10% from a vegetarian diet. However, you may be absorbing much less than that, even if your diet includes iron-rich foods. The most significant influence on iron absorption is the amount of iron already stored in your body. The body stores iron in various places, including the liver. If your stores are high, your body absorbs less iron from the foods you eat. Conversely, low iron stores increase your ability to absorb iron. Dietary factors affecting iron absorptionCertain foods and drinks affect how much iron your body absorbs. To boost iron absorption:
Foods and drinks that reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron:
High-risk groups for iron deficiencyOne in 8 people aged 2 years and over does not consume enough iron on average to meet their needs. If you do not have enough iron in your body, it is called being ‘iron deficient’. This can make you feel tired and lower your immunity. Including iron-rich foods in your diet can help. People who are at an increased risk of iron deficiency, include: Stages and symptoms of iron deficiencyMost of your body’s iron is in the haemoglobin of your red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your body. Extra iron is stored in your liver and is used by your body when your dietary intake is too low. If you don’t have enough iron in your diet, your body’s iron stores get lower over time. This can cause:
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia in childrenThe signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia in children may include:
Causes of iron deficiency in adultsIn adults, some of the common causes of iron deficiency include:
Causes of iron deficiency in childrenMajor risk factors for the development of iron deficiency in children include:
Babies, children and teenagers undergo rapid growth spurts, which increase their need for iron. The main causes of iron deficiency in children by age group include:
Suggestions for parents – babiesSome suggestions to prevent iron deficiency in babies less than 12 months of age include:
Suggestions for parents – young childrenTo prevent iron deficiency in toddlers and preschoolers:
Suggestions for parents – teenagersTo prevent iron deficiency in teenagers:
Diagnosis of iron deficiencyMake an appointment with your doctor if you think you may be iron deficient. Diagnosis aims to exclude other illnesses that can have similar symptoms, such as coeliac disease. Diagnosis methods include:
Treatment for iron deficiencyTreatment for iron deficiency depends on your iron status, and the underlying cause:
Don’t self-diagnose iron deficiencySince iron supplements are available without prescription, it can be tempting to self-diagnose, but this is not recommended because:
Do not self-diagnose or give your child over-the-counter iron supplements, because an overdose of iron can cause death. In infants and young children, 20 mg per day is the safe upper limit – most iron supplements contain around 100 mg per tablet. It is important to keep iron supplements tightly capped and away from children’s reach, as iron tablets are often mistaken as lollies by children. If you suspect an iron overdose, call your doctor or the Victorian Poisons Information on 13 11 26 immediately (24 hours, 7 days) or visit your local hospital emergency department. Iron supplementsIf you’ve been advised to take iron supplements, keep in mind that:
Where to get help
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