IRON DEFICIENCY AND ANEMIA… Iron is a mineral that is an essential constituent of blood and muscle, and is required for the transport of oxygen. The primary role of iron relates to the ability of red blood cells to adequately carry oxygen to sustain the body’s cellular support. When iron deficiency progresses to anemia, and anemia is finally detected, an unbalanced condition has already been reached.

High-risk groups include:

• Women of child-bearing age who have blood loss through menstruation
• Pregnant or lactating women who have an increased requirement for iron
• Infants, children, and adolescents in rapid growth phases
• People with a poor dietary intake of iron
• People who donate blood more than three times per year
• Adolescents, especially male & female endurance athletes
• People who have had WLS (Weight Loss Surgery)
• Elderly
• People who use aspirin regularly

Sign and Symptoms

• Pale skin color
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Sore tongue
• Brittle nails
• Unusual food cravings (called pica)
• Decreased appetite (especially in children)
• Headache – frontal
• Blue tinge to sclera (whites of eyes)