Iron is an essential mineral of the body that is primarily responsible for the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. It is an essential component of hemoglobin and lack of the same affects the healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen. Iron is also essential for maintaining healthy cells of the skin, nails, and hair. Deficiency of iron causes shortness of breath, paleness of the skin, headaches, dizziness, unusual fatigue, swelling of the mouth and tongue, and restlessness of legs. These symptoms are the common ones a person with iron deficiency anemia experiences. Iron deficiency is most commonly seen in vegan or vegetarians people who have a low iron consumption in their diet. However, one can boost the absorption of iron by including a source of vitamin C along with a plant-based source of iron. Iron deficiency is common in the following populations:
- Those who consume a diet that is extremely low in iron (i.e., vegans and vegetarians)
- People who have been diagnosed with conditions that use-up iron more than usual (i.e., pregnancy and kidney failure).
- People who have suffered a significant loss of blood because of conditions like cancers, heavy menstrual, and ulcers.
- People who consume medications that affect the ability of the body to use iron to make hemoglobin. These medicines usually include heparin, Coumadin, and aspirin.
To determine if a person’s iron levels are low, the doctor conducts a range of blood tests as a part of the diagnosis. As mentioned, there are a variety of medical reasons that cause the levels of iron to drop down and iron infusions or injections to be given:
- When iron supplements are ineffective
Iron infusions are given to a person in a case where the person’s blood count is so low that consuming iron supplements and increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods has also proved ineffective or slow in increasing the levels of iron of the body. This is because iron infusions and iron injections tend to increase the body’s levels of iron quickly. It is an immediate form of treatment as compared to diet changes or consumption of supplements. In case of severe anemia, this method has been proven to be extremely effective. Increase in energy and breathing easily are some of the physical benefits of an iron infusion. These symptoms are experienced within a few weeks after the final infusion treatment. However, the duration of these benefits lasting depends upon the cause of iron deficiency and the treatment in regards to the same.
- Iron injections and infusions during pregnancy
The need for iron increases in case of a pregnant woman when her fetus is developing. This is because the fetus absorbs the iron from her body resulting to drop in the levels of iron of the women. This may result in anemia. In such cases, doctors may order iron injections for the pregnant woman. During pregnancy, iron injections or infusions options are considered above iron supplements as consuming them by mouth may cause some gastrointestinal side effects. However, these injections are infusions often are given during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
