Your guide to Iron.
Discover the role of Iron in your health and longevity with Mito Health's advanced biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.
What is Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral with important contributions to many metabolic processes and DNA synthesis. It is also commonly known to be a vital component of heme in haemoglobin, which is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Deficiency of iron reduces the body’s ability to transport and use oxygen from the air breathed in.
Conversely, excessive iron levels have also been tied to many diseases, particularly heart disease.
What does it assess?
Iron levels reflect both iron stores and the ability to deliver iron to tissues for essential functions. Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport, and myoglobin, which helps store oxygen in muscles.
Assessing iron levels helps evaluate whether a person has enough iron to meet their body's needs, particularly for red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and immune function. Low iron levels can indicate deficiency, affecting overall health and leading to fatigue and weakness.
How do I optimize my Iron levels?
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron. Include vitamin C-rich foods in meals containing iron-rich foods to improve absorption.
Certain foods and substances, such as calcium, tannins, and phytates (in whole grains and legumes), can inhibit iron absorption. To optimize iron levels, avoid consuming these with iron-rich meals.
Conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders or heavy menstrual bleeding can interfere with iron absorption or lead to iron loss. Treating these underlying issues is key to optimizing iron levels.
What do high and low Iron levels mean?
Elevated iron levels can be caused by excessive iron intake, certain genetic conditions, or overuse of iron supplements. Over time, excess iron can accumulate in organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas, leading to organ damage. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain.
Low iron levels indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pale skin. Left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can impair oxygen transport, affecting overall health and energy levels.
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