Iron is not synthesized within an individual's body. This trace element comes only from the outside, that is, with food. An adult contains such a catholic substance: from 2.5 to 3.5 grams, of which about 70 percent is part of hemoglobin. The remaining amount is in stock in the form of protein compounds of ferritin and hemooxiderin. If necessary, the body spends savings. The main functions of iron are participation in oxidative reactions, providing the structure of the protein molecule of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in order to retain oxygen. An insufficient amount of this element negatively affects the formation of hemoglobin, as a result, oxygen starvation develops. An analysis for iron will allow you to see the problem in a timely manner and take the necessary medical manipulations.
General information
Iron is considered one of the important elements of the blood, a large amount of it is found in red blood cells (erythrocytes). Iron in the individual's bodytakes part in the process of hematopoiesis. Maintaining this element at a certain level in the bloodstream is necessary for the binding, transport and transfer of oxygen. Iron is involved in oxidative reactions, the immune system. The substance entering the body is absorbed in the intestines and then spreads through the blood vessels. Stocks are stored in the bone marrow, liver and spleen. Maintaining a certain level in the body is achieved by eating foods containing a sufficient amount of this element:
- walnuts;
- legumes;
- soy;
- meat;
- fish;
- liver;
- porridge made from millet, oats or buckwheat and others.
Assimilation of the trace element is facilitated by vitamin C contained in greens, vegetables and fruits. From protein foods, it is absorbed about 40 percent. Absorption takes place in the duodenum. In the female, the need for iron is significantly higher than in the opposite. This is due to the characteristics of the female body: menstruation, pregnancy, feeding the baby with breast milk. During menstruation, part of the iron is lost, and during the period of bearing the baby and feeding him, the need increases by almost one and a half times. The child's body also needs an increased intake due to constant growth. Regardless of gender and age, both lack and deficiency of iron is harmful to the body. This can be revealed through routine research.
Carrying out the procedure
How to get tested for iron?Doctors recommend taking the biomaterial before nine o'clock in the morning, since it is during this period that the optimal iron content in the bloodstream is observed. This type of research is carried out in any he alth care institution, both private and public. The laboratory assistant takes the biomaterial from a vein into a dry test tube. The whole manipulation lasts about two minutes. Further, the individual is advised to drink sweet tea with chocolate, in order to restore blood sugar levels and to avoid dizziness. Deciphering the results takes approximately three to four hours. Iron for the sample is taken from the blood serum. If deviations from the norm are detected, additional examinations are prescribed, as they signal he alth problems. After establishing the diagnosis and the causes that provoked this condition, a course of treatment is prescribed. In laboratories, the concentration of iron in the blood serum is determined.
In addition to blood biochemistry, you can determine the level of iron using special test strips that are purchased at a pharmacy. Determination of the trace element content occurs by changing the color of the indicator paper. This method is called an express analysis for iron, using it, they check the level of this indicator during the day.
Indications
Low hemoglobin is the result of insufficient intake of iron, which further contributes to the development of anemia. As a result, many organs and systems of the body fail, immunity falls, children lag behind in development and growth. An iron blood test is indicated in the following situations:
- violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract;
- differential diagnosis of anemia;
- hypo- or beriberi;
- assessment of the effectiveness of ongoing treatment with iron-containing medications;
- diagnosis of infectious diseases in acute and chronic form and others.
Preparatory measures for the delivery of biomaterial
For the reliability of the results of laboratory tests, preparation for the analysis of iron is necessary, which is as follows:
- donate biomaterial in the morning, as at this time the highest iron content in the blood;
- 8-12 hours before donation, do not eat;
- liquids should also be excluded;
- refuse to take medications in consultation with your doctor;
- exclude alcohol-containing drinks, fried and fatty foods from the diet the day before the study;
- on the eve of the delivery of the biomaterial, refrain from physical activity, including exercise;
- don't brush your teeth or use chewing gum or breath fresheners, and don't smoke on donation day.
How to take an iron test? First, follow the above rules. Further, before entering the laboratory office, sit for a few minutes, calm down and relax. It must be remembered that the results of the study are influenced by stress, menstruation, poor sleep, taking Metformin, Aspirin, Testosterone, i.e. these factors reduce the concentration of iron. The distortion of the result is possible when using"Cyanocobalamin", alcohol-containing drinks, oral contraceptives and even one pill containing iron. In these cases, the concentration of the microelement will be reduced or overestimated. Thus, errors in preparing for the delivery of biomaterial negatively affect the results of the study and do not reflect the true picture.
Iron analysis: norm (µmol/l)
The concentration of a trace element depends on how much iron is deposited in the bone marrow, spleen, intestines, as well as on the production and breakdown of hemoglobin. With sweat, urine, feces, hair and nails, there is a natural loss of iron from the body of the individual. Permissible rates depend on gender and age:
- Women - 8.95 to 30.43. Iron levels peak during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and decline after menstruation. While waiting for the baby, when the organs are formed in the fetus, there is a slight decrease in iron, and then it rises again.
- Men - 11.64 to 30.43.
- From one to 14 years - from 8.95 to 21.48.
- From one month to a year - from 7.16 to 17.9.
- From birth to one month - from 17.9 to 44.8.
With age, the differences become barely noticeable, the amount of iron decreases in both sexes.
Low iron indicates:
- acute or chronic ailments of an infectious nature;
- anemia;
- bleeding;
- hepatitis;
- tumors;
- cirrhosis;
- hypothyroidism;
- problems withdigestive system.
In addition, in a blood test for iron, its low content is detected with increased physical activity, taking medications such as glucocorticoids, androgens, acetylsalicylic acid. Vegetarianism also contributes to lower iron levels in an individual's body.
High trace element concentration accompanies the following pathologies:
- poisoning with iron, lead;
- hemolytic anemia;
- leukemia;
- thalassemia;
- deficiency of folic acid and B vitamins: B6 and B12;
- hemochromatosis;
- jade.
The increase in iron in the blood provokes the use of estrogen, oral contraceptives and some other medications.
What can be determined in a blood test?
An indirect factor in the violation of the content of this trace element is a change in the concentration of hemoglobin. It is by its value that the doctor is guided by which iron tests to take. The following types of research are usually prescribed:
- Total iron binding capacity. This value is determined by its maximum amount, which is retained by the protein substances of the blood.
- Presence of ferritin in blood serum. This indicator indicates the reserves of the microelement in the tissues.
- Serum iron levels.
Reason for increase
High concentration of this element is not always a pathology. Factors contributing to itpromotion:
- uncontrolled intake of iron tablets;
- extensive burns;
- multiple red cell and blood transfusions;
- various types of anemia: hemolytic, aplastic, and anemia associated with a violation of the production of heme and porphyrin or with a lack of cyanocobalamin.
Excess iron, in all forms of the disease, is formed from defective destroyed red blood cells. Timely biochemistry of blood makes it possible to diagnose the disease and begin appropriate treatment. During therapy, an iron test is indicated for control.
Reason for low concentration
Identified, as a result of the analysis, the lack of a microelement occurs for the following reasons:
- avitaminosis;
- failure in bowel function resulting in impaired absorption of iron;
- high consumption;
- excessive bleeding, for example, gastrointestinal bleeding provokes a decrease in red blood cells, and, accordingly, iron;
- anemia;
- pancreatitis;
- gastritis;
- enterocolitis in the chronic stage.
During pregnancy, the fetus takes some of the iron from the mother, which is necessary for the formation of the internal organs of the baby. In addition, its increased consumption is observed during breastfeeding. In the absence of compensation, there is a lack of iron in the body of a woman, the symptoms of which are as follows:
- pale skincovers;
- low pressure;
- weakness;
- dizzy;
- fatigue;
- Change in the taste of food consumed.
Compliance with the diet selected by the doctor will help a woman prevent this condition.
Iron deficiency anemia
According to ICD-10, the disease was assigned a code - D50. There are no characteristic symptoms. Of the clinical manifestations, weakness, dizziness, pallor of the dermis and mucous membranes are most common. Before the first symptoms appear, anemia is latent. At the same time, the lack of iron is replenished from reserves. It comes to light at delivery of a blood on ferritin. The provocateur of anemia is a large loss of blood or a lack of iron in the body, caused by:
- injuries;
- long and profuse menstruation;
- uterine bleeding caused by fibroids, endometriosis;
- vegetarianism;
- hidden bleeding from hemorrhoids or digestive tract;
- iron absorption problems due to illness or old age;
- taking medications that impair the absorption of the trace element, for example, Ranitidine, Almagel, Omeprazole, etc.;
- pregnancy;
- hereditary pathologies.
A pronounced period of anemia occurs when the reserves are completely used up, the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin decreases. A characteristic diagnostic sign of anemia is a decrease in the level of the latter. Successful treatment requires eliminationthe cause of the disease and further compensate for iron deficiency.
When Pregnant
Due to the increased load on the female body during this period, the need for trace elements, including iron, also increases. The latter is necessary for the development of the unborn baby. Symptoms of iron deficiency in a woman's body are:
- pale dermis;
- constant weakness;
- fatigue;
- pressure reduction;
- taste disorder.
Correction of iron deficiency is done by changing the diet and taking medications prescribed by the doctor.
Decreased serum iron. Reasons
In women, this figure is somewhat lower than in men. The maximum level is observed in the morning hours, and then its concentration decreases. Serum iron analysis is important for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy for various diseases, including anemia, as well as for differential diagnosis. Anemia for some time proceeds almost imperceptibly, gradually causing serious disturbances in the work of the individual's body. Of the external signs of the disease, it should be noted:
- headaches;
- drowsy;
- general weakness;
- fatigue;
- dizziness;
- disorders of smell and taste;
- pallor of the dermis;
- jaws in the corners of the mouth;
- fragility of hair and nail plates;
- high temperature to subfebrile for no particular reason.
Factors,contributing to the decrease in serum iron several. The most common is:
- resection of the stomach or intestines;
- iron deficiency anemia (according to ICD-10 - D50);
- tuberculosis;
- Crohn's disease;
- endocarditis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- nutritional deficit;
- childhood;
- pregnancy;
- chronic renal failure;
- malignant and benign neoplasms;
- lack of ascorbic acid in the diet.
How to increase the level of the substance through the diet?
As mentioned above, it is necessary to find out the reason for the decrease in the concentration of this element in the blood. For example, if its absorption is impaired, then no matter how much the patient eats foods enriched with iron, his indicators will be low. Thus, after passing the analysis for iron, one should undergo an examination in order to find out the reasons for its fall, and then proceed to increase it, including the following foods in the diet:
- meat - lamb, rabbit, veal, goose, beef;
- liver of various animals;
- eggs;
- greek;
- citrus;
- vegetables and fruits;
- sauerkraut.
It is important to remember that foods containing calcium (cottage cheese, white bread, milk, etc.) inhibit the absorption of iron. The process of getting iron into tissues, as well as into the reserve, is designed so that its excess amount is not absorbed. Thus the bodythe individual takes this element from food in the amount he needs.
Increased serum iron. Reasons
A high level of this microelement is considered a severe anomaly that provokes the occurrence of oncological diseases of the intestines and liver. Symptoms are similar to those of hepatitis:
- weight loss;
- jaundice of the dermis;
- arrhythmia;
- increase in liver size;
- failure of the pancreas and heart.
And also an increased concentration of serum iron provokes the development of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
The reason for the increase is:
- anomaly in which the structure of hemoglobin is changed;
- large blood transfusion;
- acute iron poisoning.
Conclusion
Micronutrient deficiency as a result of an iron test is a fairly common situation among older, young women and children. Deficiency in babies is associated with insufficient intake from food, and in adults with chronic blood loss. In some cases, it will be necessary to take a course of special medications.
Iron deficiency is accompanied by dizziness, dryness and pallor of the dermis, hair loss and other symptoms. There are many reasons for the low value. You can get information about what the iron test is called, how to take it correctly and what the results say, you can directly from your doctor. AtIf an in-depth study is necessary, the doctor will recommend an expanded set of tests.
