Iron Overview
What is Iron?
Iron is a mineral that is part of a normal diet. Iron is required for red blood cells and iron deficiency can cause anemia (iron deficiency anemia). Women are particularly at risk of iron deficiency (and anemia) due to iron loss in menstrual blood. Iron deficiency can also occur due to blood loss (e.g. trauma; internal bleeding) or various types of Malabsorption Syndrome. There are various other causes of anemia. Iron supplements can be used for iron deficiency, and iron is often part of general mineral supplements or multivitamins. Vitamin C is also helpful in increasing the uptake of iron within the digestive system. High levels of iron can also be harmful to the body, particularly in disorders such as Hemochromatosis. Also possible is Iron Overdose (Iron Toxicity), which may occur from excessive supplementation.
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Related Articles
- Anemia: Anemia is the disease of low red blood cells which reduces the amount of oxygen pumped around the body. Symptoms
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- Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency anemia refers to a type of anemia (low red blood cells) that is caused by a lack of
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- Malabsorption Disorders: Malabsorption refers to a lack of absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. This can cause general malnutrition, pernicious anemia
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- Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is an “iron overload” disorder due to excess iron in the blood. The most common form is called “Hereditary
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- Iron Poisoning: Iron Poisoning is an overdose of iron, also called iron overdose or iron toxicity. It can occur due to an
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- Trauma: The term “trauma” in medicine refers to physical injury or accident. Some emergency hospitals are called “trauma centers” because they
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- Vitamin C: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a naturally occurring dietary vitamin. It is helpful to maintain body health in various ways
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- Ferrous Sulfate: Ferrous Sulfate is an active ingredient of a number of drugs and medications(null)(null)
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- Digestive system: The digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal system or digestive tract, is the system that processes food and water. It
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Iron: Related Drug and Treatment Topics
Iron: Related Disease Topics
- Anemia- Overview| Causes| Types| Drugs
- Iron deficiency anemia- Overview| Drugs
- Malabsorption Disorders- Overview
- Hemochromatosis- Overview| Drugs
- Iron Poisoning- Overview| Drugs
Iron: Related Symptom Topics
Note: This site is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. See your doctor or other qualified medical professional for all your medical needs.