Iron is a mineral that plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. It is also an important component of myogobin protein, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to muscle cells. It has functions of health brain development, hormone production in children. It is taken with food and supplements.

Iron is a mineral that plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. It is also an important component of myogobin protein, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to muscle cells. It has functions of health brain development, hormone production in children. It is taken with food and supplements.

Iron is stored in the form of ferritin in the liver, spleen, muscle tissue, and bone marrow. It binds to a protein called transferrin and is distributed throughout the body. Measuring ferritin and transferrin in the diagnosis of iron deficiency also gives information about the level of deficiency.



Its deficiency develops anemia and is an additional common cause of anemia in the world.

Where does iron come from?

  • Red meat,
  • Liver,
  • offal,
  • Poultry,
  • Fish and shellfish (sardines, tuna, oysters, mussels, etc.),
  • Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, peas, dry beans, etc.),
  • Spinach,
  • Potatoes,
  • Dried plum,
  • Grape,
  • Soybean,
  • Courgette,
  • Oat,
  • Enriched cereal products (bread, cereal, etc.),
  • Honey,
  • Grape molasses.

Some products such as coffee, tea, mineral waters reduce iron absorption. For this reason, it is recommended not to take these products with iron-containing foods or supplements.

What are the functions of iron?

  • Support for the transport of oxygen by hemoglobin and myoglobin,
  • Energy production from sugar,
  • Support for the immune system,
  • Strengthening cognitive functions,
  • Support for skin, hair and nail health.

 What is the iron requirement?

  • 0 – 1 year old child: 11 mg/day
  • 1-3 years old child: 7 mg/day
  • 4-8 years old child: 10 mg/day
  • 9-13 years old child: 8 mg/day
  • Boy 14 years and older: 8 mg/day
  • Girl 14 years and older: 18 mg/day
  • Pregnancy period: 27 mg/day
  • Lactation period: 10 mg/day

What signs and symptoms are seen in iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is a decrease in iron stores in the body or there is a problem in its use.

Iron deficiency can be due to various reasons;

  • Malnutrition (vegan diet etc.),
  • Increased need for iron (pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty, etc.),
  • Iron vessel (menstruation, injury, accidents, ulcer bleeding, etc.),
  • Absorption disorders (Celiac disease etc.),
  • Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, cola,
  • Genetic factors.

Symptoms of iron deficiency may be mild at first and become more severe in the later period.



Initial signs and symptoms;

  • Brittle lifeless hair,
  • Dry skin,
  • Cracks in the corners of the mouth,
  • Tenderness inside the mouth

Due to anemia in the following period;

  • Weakness, fatigue,
  • Respiratory problems,
  • Headache, dizziness,
  • Darkening in the eyes,
  • Concentration problems,
  • Cold,
  • Sleep problems,
  • Hair loss,
  • Pale skin colour.

Untreated iron deficiency can cause problems such as miscarriage in pregnant women. In addition, cardiovascular system diseases, susceptibility to infections, and developmental problems may occur.

What signs and symptoms are seen in iron excess?

It may develop due to high-dose (more than 20 mg) iron intake, usually with supplements. Sometimes iron excess is also seen in hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disease.

  • Constipation,
  • Stomach ache,
  • Nausea, vomiting,
  • Stomach discomfort may occur.



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