Serum iron decreased treatment. Serum iron: the norm, causes of deviations from the norm Serum iron is the norm for women by age

Iron is considered one of the most influential substances in human blood. It is an essential component of hemoglobin. This element is involved in the formation of blood. A sufficient level of iron in the body is necessary to ensure the process of its connection with blood protein, transport and distribution of oxygen in the circulating blood. This substance enters the body with food, and after the intestines absorb it, the element spreads through vascular system. The reserves of iron in the human body are stored in bone marrow, liver and spleen.

blood cells

To maintain a proper level of iron, it is necessary to properly eat foods rich in this element: meat and fish dishes, offal, eggs, beans, cereals, fruits and vegetable salads. The need of a woman's body for this substance is twice as high as that of men. This is due to menstrual cycles, in which girls lose blood along with hemoglobin. During pregnancy or natural feeding of a newborn, the rate of iron becomes greater. A sufficient amount of it is also required by the developing body of the child.

When is a biochemical blood test for iron prescribed?

To examine the blood, it is necessary to take a sample from a vein. An iron blood test is prescribed in such situations:

• Suspicion of intoxication with iron-containing substances.
• It is necessary to identify the presence of shortcomings in the daily menu.
• Need to diagnose different types anemia.
• When detecting infectious diseases of any form.
• With a lack of vitamins in the body or hypovitaminosis.
• If there are pathologies of the digestive system.
• In order to determine the level of effectiveness of treatment.

The highest value of iron in the study is noted in the morning. And in order to get the correct results, the analysis is performed in the morning. The patient should come to the laboratory on an empty stomach. Don't eat for 12 hours before donating blood. For chemical analysis of iron in the blood, a colorimetric technique is used. It detects the content of elements in the blood with high accuracy, and its implementation is not difficult.

General information

Iron in the human body is deposited in the form of a protein called ferritin. This component is absorbed from incoming food, and then transported by transferrin, another protein synthesized in the liver. Iron elements are required for the formation of red blood cells. The substance is present in the muscle protein - myoglobin and other enzymes.

The norm of iron in an adult is 4-5 grams. Approximately two thirds of the amount are iron elements in hemoglobin. And the rest of the substance accumulates in the tissues in reserve in the form of hemosiderin and ferritin (protein compounds contained in the liver). Despite the fact that ferritin in the blood is in low concentrations, the indicator makes it possible to judge the supply of iron in the human body.

If iron deficiency develops, for example: with a reduction in food, where it is present, or with frequent blood loss, the body consumes its reserves from the tissues. The level of ferritin at this time is significantly reduced. If for a long time the indicator remains low, this will lead to acute anemia.

Important! The value of ferritin can be lowered long before the first signs of low hemoglobin and anemia appear.

What does a chemical blood test show for the amount of serum iron? The iron-binding capacity of blood serum is considered one of the important functions of the blood. The indicator makes it possible to determine the amount of iron elements that blood can carry.

If there is a lack of iron elements in the body, then the amount of transferrins increases. This protein binds to iron in the serum mass. At the same time, an increase in the number of free transferrin is indicated, and with it the iron-binding properties of serum. And when the level of iron elements is exceeded, this ability decreases, since there are practically no free transferrins.

Indicators of iron in blood serum in biochemistry change on different days and even throughout the day. This can be verified with express tests. However, the binding capacity of the serum continues to remain at the same level.

Preparation for analysis

Before you take an analysis for iron, you need to prepare, taking into account the recommendations:

• No food should be eaten for 12 hours prior to blood sampling pure water without gas).
• Avoid emotional stress for a couple of hours before visiting the laboratory.
• Do not smoke one hour before the test.

Norms of iron in the blood

There is a table of invitro norms:

• In a child up to a year - from 7.1 to 17.8 µmol / l.
• In children from one to 14 years old - 8.9-22 µmol / l.
• In adult girls over 15 years old - 8.9-30.3 µmol / l.
• In men over 15 years old - 11.7-30.3 µmol / l.

In the human body, the content of iron elements is small. The standards depend on a person's weight, gender, height and age, on the concentration of hemoglobin in mmol / l or in μg per liter. Deciphering the research data takes into account all factors.

Need for iron

If there is an iron deficiency in the blood, then this is the reason for the decrease in hemoglobin levels and the development of anemia. This disease leads to dangerous pathologies:

• Decreased protective immune function.
• Children have delayed development and growth.
• Fatigue increases.
• The skin becomes pale, flaky.
• Shortness of breath appears and the pulse increases.
• Malfunctions of the stomach, intestines and thyroid gland.
• Appetite disappears.
• There is muscle hypotension.

Iron deficiency can be caused by an inadequate or unbalanced diet. A person needs to constantly replenish the loss of iron components by adding products in which they are present to the menu. Be sure to eat meat, offal and fish, dairy products and eggs. Important plant sources of iron elements are fruits and vegetables. The absorption of this substance is also helped by other important trace elements, for example: chlorine, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which come with food.

What can affect performance?

Factors that can affect the analysis of "iron in the blood":

• Daily fluctuations (in the morning, the indicator is minimal, and in the evening it is maximum).
• Gender - in women, the content of the element is 20 percent lower compared to men.
• The presence of bleeding reduces the value.
• Reducing the concentration of protein in the blood will reduce the indicator.
• A lack of copper can lead to a decrease in the level of iron-containing substances.
• The use of contraceptives based on hormones (will increase the rate).
• Hemolysis of a blood sample in a container may indicate false results.
• Taking drugs against tuberculosis, chloramphenicol will reduce concentrations.

Why is the rate above the norm?

Iron can increase in the blood if a person consumes a lot of iron-containing foods, for example: during diets. This is possible with uncontrolled intake drugs to increase hemoglobin.

An analysis for iron can give overestimated values ​​if the metabolism of iron components is disturbed in the body. In this case, the development of a disease such as hemochromatosis is possible, when iron is not excreted from the body properly.

Why is iron low?

The causes of iron deficiency pathologies can be:

• Frequent blood donations.
• Chronic blood loss in the digestive organs.
• Posthemorrhagic anemia.
• Too rigid diets and vegetarianism.
• Starvation.
• The period of bearing a child and his feeding.
• The child has accelerated sexual development and growth.
• postoperative condition.

To treat iron deficiency, you need to balance the diet, take iron-containing medications, vitamins (C and B12), nutritional supplements. If the readings are too high, treat with a diet that limits the amount of foods high in iron. In extreme cases, a blood transfusion will be needed.

The norm of serum iron in the blood healthy person- 0.4-0.7 mg. If this value is increased or decreased - there are reasons. This enzyme is not contained in its pure form, but as components of porphyrite compounds, proteins, and enzymes. They are needed for immune reactions, collagen and DNA synthesis, normal metabolism. 80% of these compounds are hemoglobin, which is the main consumer of iron. But, its main role is to supply organs, cells with oxygen, to participate in tissue respiration.

Enzyme levels must be constantly monitored. In laboratories, a separate biochemical blood test is done, which determines its amount. A sharp loss of a microelement signals pathologies in the body, diseases, and other abnormalities.

What is the norm of iron and what does it depend on

The level of iron in the blood depends on many factors, such as age, weight, height, general health, gender, nutrition. Medications and nutritional supplements also affect test results. The level varies depending on the time of day the test is taken - in the morning the concentration is higher than in the evening.

But, despite the individuality of each organism - in a clinical way the norm is established, how much serum iron should be in the blood of a healthy person.

In men, it is higher than in women, it is 13.6 - 30.4 μ mol / l, and for women this reference value will be 10.7 - 24.5 μ mol / l.

The reason for this difference is menstruation, after which a woman periodically loses some blood. Also, the concentration of serum iron changes in women during pregnancy and will be several units lower. The body at this time is being rebuilt, the hormonal background is changing, more of this enzyme is required for the development of the baby's body. The norm goes down to 10 µmol/L. If the concentration becomes even lower, doctors diagnose anemia and prescribe urgent treatment to increase it. During pregnancy, the analysis for serum iron is taken three times, its norm during this period is checked especially carefully. During breastfeeding, the level of iron, on the contrary, will be slightly overestimated. This is due to the same restructuring of the hormonal background.

In children, the body is different from the body of an adult, which has already formed. Rates change over time:

• infants under 1 year old - 7.1-17.9 micromol / l;
• children from 1 to 14 years old - 8.9-21.5 micromol / l;
• boys after 14 years - 11.6 - 30.4 micromol / l;
• girls after 14 years - 8.9 - 24.5 micromol / l.

How to prepare for an iron test

• blood for biochemistry is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, there should be at least 12 hours between the last meal and the test;
• before taking the test, it is not recommended to take pills or nutritional supplements for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia - the result will not reflect the actual situation;
• iron will be reduced if a person is prone to chronic lack of sleep, starvation, recent stress;
• it is better to wait if there was a blood transfusion the day before;
• refrain from physical activity;
• exclude alcoholic beverages;
• do not smoke before taking the test;
• do not do fluorography and not be exposed to x-rays;
• do not eat junk food;
• women need to pay attention menstrual cycle- iron will rise before the onset of bleeding and decrease greatly during their time.

If the iron level is below normal

When the level of serum iron in the blood is low, it is iron deficiency anemia. This state The body is dangerous because at the initial stage it does not manifest itself in any way and is asymptomatic. If not detected in time, the situation can even end in death. Iron deficiency anemia is not the only disease associated with abnormal iron levels. There are others, for example:

• inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal intestinal tract;
• diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system, purulent-septic, infectious, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, ankylosing spondylitis;
• viral diseases such as hepatitis.

But, you can suspect this disease by several symptoms:

• drowsiness;
• weakness;
• fragility of hair and nails;
• dry skin and mucous membranes;
• headaches, dizziness;
• violation of the work of taste buds, loss of smell.

At first, it seems like fatigue or a consequence of recent stress, but with these symptoms, you should immediately pass the appropriate tests.

There are a number of other reasons that a reduced amount of iron will indicate:

• pregnancy;
• lack of sleep;
• a sharp growth spurt in adolescents;
• starvation, constant diets;
• with permanent hemodialysis;
• with frequent blood transfusion;
• after surgery.

If iron levels are high

Cases of elevated serum iron in the blood also occur. This kind of pathology is called hemochromatosis. It is of two types - hereditary and acquired. It's no less dangerous than reduced level. Then an excess of iron begins in the body, after which oxygen is supplied less and transport processes are disrupted. In a critical excess of iron, other dangerous diseases develop, even oncological ones. Increased rates inform about various diseases:

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• acute hepatitis;
• nephritis;
• inflammation in the kidneys;
• different types of anemia;
• Wilson-Konovalov disease;
• lead intoxication;
• acute leukemia;
• heart disease.

Such indicators are the result of infectious diseases that have dragged on.

How to increase iron levels

Serum iron, like most trace elements, enter the body with food. Therefore, it is important to monitor nutrition, its quality and consistency in order to avoid diseases and health problems. Iron is divided into two categories - heme and non-heme. Chemically, they correspond to divalent (Fe2+) and trivalent (Fe3+) elements. In nature, they are found in different categories of foods.

Heme iron is an animal product. These include meat such as veal, rabbit, fish, chicken, turkey, and eggs. The record holder for iron content is considered to be beef liver. This product contains vitamins A, C and group B, in combination with them, iron is better absorbed in the body.

Non-heme iron found in foods plant origin, such as beets, apples, legumes and pomegranates. Beetroot is useful to use both boiled and raw. But the most a large number of This trace element is found in buckwheat. But, iron of plant origin is absorbed much worse, so it is better not to remove meat from the diet. It is undesirable to use these products with products that contain fast carbohydrates. And they contain bread, pasta and rice, as well as dairy, sour-milk. This combination will not bring any benefit.

In general, the level of serum iron is a very important trace element for normal functioning. human body. Therefore, you need to constantly monitor it, consume iron-containing foods and not self-medicate.

Iron is not only a metal actively used for construction, but the most important macronutrient necessary for maintaining health. Without it, it will be impossible to ensure the delivery of oxygen to the cells. Almost all iron in the body is found in the form of compounds. One of these compounds is serum iron. Consider why and when it is necessary to conduct tests for the content of this substance in the blood plasma.

The blood plasma has complex composition, moreover, part of the substances contained in it perform the functions of transport. That is, they provide the delivery of elements to cells. One of these substances is a special protein that "specializes" in the transfer of iron atoms. It is the concentration of the compound, consisting of protein and iron, that is determined by analyzing the content of serum iron.

What is this substance?

The total amount of iron in human body is about three and a half grams. Most of it is part of hemoglobin and red blood cells. But the service life of these compounds is not eternal, over time they are destroyed in the spleen, with the formation of free iron.

In order for free atoms of a valuable macroelement to get into the bone marrow and take part in a new cycle of hematopoiesis, it is necessary to ensure its delivery to the site of erythrocyte formation. For this, special proteins are used that form complexes with iron and carry them to their destination.

The connection of a transport protein with an atom of a macroelement is called serum iron, the level of this compound in the blood plasma normally changes during the day, but remains within the accepted norm. If a significant deviation from the norm is detected, then not everything is safe in the body and measures must be taken.

Significance during pregnancy

It is extremely important that women do not develop iron deficiency during pregnancy. This macronutrient is extremely important for pregnant women, as it is necessary for the normal supply of oxygen to the fetus.

Iron deficiency in pregnant women is an insufficient production of red blood cells, resulting in the development of anemia and deterioration in well-being. But an excess of the element in the body of pregnant women can lead to health problems. Therefore, it is important to keep nutrient levels normal.

Indications

An analysis for the detection of serum iron can be prescribed in the following cases:

• if abnormalities are detected during a general blood test or a hemoglobin test;
• if experts suggest that the body is deficient in iron or suffers from its overabundance;
• in the treatment of anemia, to determine the effectiveness of therapy;
• with various inflammatory processes;
• with violations of the digestive tract;
• during preventive examinations of pregnant women.

How is the procedure?

The material for the study is venous blood. Preparation for the study is as follows:

• at least a week before the delivery of the material, you need to stop taking iron-containing preparations and preparations containing vitamin B12;
• other drugs can also affect the result of the analysis, including hormonal contraceptives, therefore, you need to inform the doctor about the means taken;
• Avoid alcohol intake for at least a day fatty foods and in general it is better not to convey;
• blood samples are taken in the morning, always on an empty stomach.

Normal indicators and deviations

Normal levels of serum iron depend on age and gender. Here are the norms for different groups of patients (in µmol / l):

• for children under the age of one year - 7.15 - 17.90;
• for children older than a year and adolescents under the age of 14 - 8.9 - 21.47;
• for girls over 14 years old and women - 8.9 - 30.44;
• for boys over 14 years old and men - 11.63-30.44.

Low level

In the event that during the study it is found that the level of serum iron is significantly below normal, then this may be a sign of the following conditions:

• Iron-deficiency anemia. This condition can be caused either by a lack of iron intake, or by malabsorption or blood loss.
• Systemic diseases. With pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, blood disease, metabolic processes are disrupted, including the absorption of iron.
• Uterine fibroids, endometriosis. In these conditions, high blood loss is noted, therefore, in patients, the level of iron content is below normal.

High level

A high level is noted in the following cases:

• if iron preparations are taken uncontrollably, it is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women;
• with vitamin B12 deficiency;
• at insufficiency of functions of a liver;
• with glomerulonephritis.

So, the analysis of the content of serum iron is an important diagnostic examination to detect anemia and other pathological conditions. This analysis may be ordered if indicated or if preventive examination children and pregnant women.

Serum iron is a vital trace element that provides the binding, transport and transfer of oxygen to tissues, as well as participating in the processes of tissue respiration.

Serum Iron Functions

The total amount of iron contained in the human body reaches 4-5 grams. Of course, it is difficult to find it in its pure form, but it is part of such porphyrin compounds as hemoglobin (up to 80% of its total amount), myoglobin (5-10%), cytochromes, as well as myeloperoxidase and catalase myeloenzymes. Up to 25% of iron in the body is not used and is considered a reserve, being in the depot (spleen, liver, bone marrow) in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin. Heme iron, which mainly performs the function of reversible oxygen binding and transport to tissues, is mainly found in enzymes. In addition, iron is directly involved in a number of redox reactions, hematopoiesis, collagen synthesis, and the immune system.

Entry routes

Iron enters the body mainly with food. The product with the highest content is considered to be meat, namely beef. Other foods rich in this trace element are liver, fish, buckwheat grain, beans, eggs. Vitamin C, which is found in fresh greens and other plant foods, promotes optimal absorption of iron (which is why nutritionists recommend serving fresh vegetables with meat). Of the amount that comes with food, as a rule, from 10 to 15% is absorbed. Absorption takes place in duodenum. That is why most often low serum iron is the result of various pathologies of the intestinal tract. Its concentration also depends on the amount of deposited iron stored in the spleen, intestines, bone marrow, and on the level of synthesis and breakdown of hemoglobin in the body. Physiological losses of the microelement occur with feces, urine, sweat, as well as with nails and hair.

Serum iron: normal

Iron is one of those micronutrients whose levels change throughout the day. In the morning, its indicators are higher, and in the evening they decrease. In addition, they depend on the age and gender of the person. Serum iron in women, as a rule, is lower than in men, while its concentration is directly related to the menstrual cycle (in the luteal phase, its content is maximum, and after menstruation, its indicators decrease). Stress, overwork and lack of sleep also affect the level of this trace element.

Serum iron, the norm of which in men is 11.64-30.43, and in women - 8.95-30.43 µmol / liter, also varies depending on the time of day. Its maximum concentration is fixed in the morning, and during the day the indicators decrease. In infants up to a year normal indicators consider the interval 7.16-17.90. In children from one to fourteen years old, the norm is 8.95-21.48.

Serum iron during pregnancy, especially in the second half, is slightly reduced. This is due to the formation of organs in the fetus. In general, its level should not fall below 10 (otherwise it will be considered anemia) and exceed 30 µmol/liter.

Despite the relative instability of the level of this indicator in the blood, its study is very important for differential diagnosis and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment of such pathologies as anemia, which are the most common human diseases. They can proceed both imperceptibly and cause severe disturbances in the functioning of the body. In some cases, anemia can be fatal. Outwardly, a decrease in the level of iron is manifested by general weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. In addition, fragility of hair and nail plates, cracks in the corners of the mouth, violations of taste and smell are noted. Skin pale, dry, unmotivated subfebrile condition is possible (the temperature rises to 37-37.5).

Causes of a decrease in serum iron

Serum iron in plasma can decrease for many reasons. One of them is called external factors while others are the result of internal changes. The most common of these are the following:

iron deficiency anemia - the disease can be caused by chronic blood loss, lack of iron intake into the body or impaired absorption;

chronic systemic diseases - lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, endocarditis, Crohn's disease;

resection of the intestine or stomach;

myocardial infarction;

• uterine fibroids;

hemolytic anemia.

Increased content (hemochromatosis)

Elevated serum iron is a rather serious pathology, the consequence of which can be the development of many life-threatening conditions up to the development of oncological processes in the liver and intestines. Symptoms are similar to those of hepatitis. Yellowness of the skin appears, the liver enlarges, weight loss occurs, arrhythmias begin. Due to the fact that excess iron is deposited in organs such as the heart, pancreas, malfunctions begin in their normal operation. In addition, the development of pathologies such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease can become a consequence of hemochromatosis.

Reasons for the increase

An increased content of iron in the blood plasma can cause such a pathology as hereditary hemochromatosis, in which there is a high assimilation of iron from incoming food. Its excess is deposited in various organs, causing various disturbances in their work. The following factors can also cause an increase in the amount of serum iron:

B12 deficiency anemia;

thalassemia - a pathology in which the structure of hemoglobin changes;

transfusion of blood in large quantities;

• glomerulonephritis.

In children, hemochromatosis can cause acute poisoning iron preparations.

How to take an analysis?

Blood sampling is carried out from a vein in the morning. At least eight hours must have passed since the last meal. It is undesirable to chew gum and brush your teeth before taking the test. The reliability of the data obtained can be influenced by the following factors:

even one iron-containing tablet can significantly increase the concentration of iron;

oral contraceptives and alcohol also increase trace element levels;

"Metformin", testosterone and aspirin in large doses reduce the concentration of iron;

the use of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), even two days before the upcoming analysis, also increases the concentration;

menstruation, lack of sleep, stressful situations reduce iron levels.

Content

With insufficient intake of iron from food or a large loss of this trace element, a person develops iron deficiency anemia. This deviation is especially often diagnosed in infants and pregnant women. Iron is important for the body because it is involved in the transport of oxygen. Deficiency, as well as an excess of this microelement, negatively affects many functions of the body. A person begins to experience severe fatigue, malaise, heart palpitations. With such symptoms, the doctor prescribes an analysis for serum iron.

What is an iron blood test

Most of the iron (Ferrum or ferrum) in the body contains red blood cells - erythrocytes, and specifically, their component - hemoglobin. A small amount also includes tissues and plasma - in the form of complex compounds with the protein transferrin and as part of hemosiderin and ferritin. During the day, the level of iron in the blood changes significantly. In general, it performs the following functions:

• activates the work of respiration pigments that transport oxygen;
• participates in the synthesis of hemoglobin and oxidative cellular reactions;
• ensures the normal functioning of hematopoietic processes;
• participates in the binding and transport of oxygen, retains it in erythrocytes.

With a lack of iron, the process of hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport throughout the body is disrupted. The consequence of this is oxygen deficiency - hypoxia. An excess of this trace element is less common, but also poses a threat to human health. To determine the level of iron and deviations from the norm, a biochemical analysis for iron is prescribed.

Indications

A common indication for an iron blood test is the suspicion of an increase or decrease in its level. This happens with some diseases that the doctor needs to confirm. For research, venous blood is taken. Ferrum concentration is determined by the color intensity of the solution, which directly depends on the amount of this microelement. Such a blood test for iron is considered one of the most accurate. Indications for its implementation are:

• suspicion of iron deficiency anemia;
• differential diagnosis of anemia;
• beriberi or hypovitaminosis;
• monitoring the effectiveness of anemia treatment;
• poisoning with iron tablets;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which prevent the normal absorption of iron;
• bleeding of various etiologies;
• identification in general analysis blood for iron deviations relative to erythrocytes and hematocrit;
• inflammatory processes, acute infectious diseases;
• diagnosis of hemochromatosis ( hereditary pathology in which iron metabolism is impaired).

How to prepare

In order for the result of the study to be more accurate, it is necessary to properly prepare for the analysis. Blood is taken on an empty stomach in the morning - from about 8 to 10 hours, since this is the time for the maximum concentration of ferrum. Iron supplements must be discontinued 6 days prior to the procedure. For the same period, fatty and fried foods should be excluded from the diet. Preparation involves observing a few more rules:

• a day before the procedure, exclude smoking and alcoholic beverages;
• the last time to eat 8–9 hours before the study (only pure water is allowed before the analysis);
• a couple of days before the procedure, stop using oral contraceptives;
• do not undergo fluorography and radiography before analysis;
• limit physical activity a couple of days before the analysis;
• sleep well the night before the procedure, avoid emotional stress.

How to take an analysis

The procedure is carried out in the laboratory. In the morning, around 8-10 o'clock, the patient needs to come to the clinic. The specialist will take venous blood from the cubital vein using a disposable syringe. Before starting, the puncture site is disinfected with medical alcohol, then blood is taken from the vein. The whole procedure takes about 1.5 minutes, and the process is almost painless. The biological material for analysis is serum. This means that the specialist places the taken blood in a test tube that has never been used and has not come into contact with detergents.

Decryption

A qualified specialist who carries out the procedure in the laboratory is responsible for decoding. The whole process takes about 3 hours. Since the level of iron changes throughout the day, not specific numbers, but intervals of values ​​are considered the norm. For men, the average concentration of ferrum is 14.3–25.1 µmol/l, for women it is 10.7–21.5 µmol/l. Differences are associated with physiological monthly blood loss during menstruation, which is inherent only in the fairer sex. There are three options for analysis results:

• If the iron level is within the indicated intervals, this indicates a normal electrolyte balance.
• When the amount of ferrum is lower normal values doctors diagnose iron deficiency (anemia).
• If the rate of iron in biochemical analysis blood is exceeded - experts state an overabundance of this element in the body.

When interpreting the results, the doctor takes into account not only the obtained values, but also a number of other factors, such as nutrition, menstrual cycle, intake of certain medicines. Before and during menstruation, women have elevated level gland. For this reason, they are advised to take the test after the end of menstruation. Sometimes the patient experiences fluctuations in the level of ferrum: they are associated with sharp increase the patient's consumption of meat. The level of this trace element is also affected by drugs, such as:

• acetylsalicylic acid;
• Methotrexate;
• oral contraceptives;
• antibiotics;
• preparations with estrogens;
• Metformin;
• Asparaginase;
• Cortisol;
• Cholestyramine;
• testosterone preparations.

Norm of iron in the blood

The level of this element depends not only on gender, but also on age. For each age category, doctors determined their own norm of serum iron in the blood. In newborns, there is a decrease in the volume of ferrum for several hours after birth. As you grow older, its level gradually increases. The specific norms of iron in the blood in women and men, taking into account age, are reflected in the table:

Low iron levels in the blood

The main signs of iron deficiency are manifested by symptoms of anemia. These include headaches, flies before the eyes, dry and pale skin. From external signs fragility of nails, hair loss are also noted. On the early stage the symptoms are not very pronounced. Over time, when the reserves of ferrum are completely depleted, a person begins to feel weakness, migraine and dizziness. At the next stage of anemia, other signs join:

• chest pain;
• unusual taste preferences (desire to eat chalk or clay);
• weakness in the legs;
• dyspnea;
• lack of appetite;
• muscle hypotension.

The reasons

The main cause of iron deficiency is insufficient intake of ferrum with food, i.e. nutritional iron deficiency. This happens when you follow a strict diet, malnutrition. Iron deficiency is typical for vegetarians, since iron from meat is more easily absorbed by the body compared to vegetable. The same is observed in children under 2 years of age and adolescents during puberty. Their iron deficiency is caused by rapid growth, which requires a large consumption of trace elements. In addition to nutrition and age, the reasons for the lack of this trace element include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• excessive physical activity;
• chronic kidney failure, cholestasis, nephrotic syndrome;
• heavy menstruation;
• hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver;
• hypothyroidism;
• thrombocytopenia;
• chronic fatigue;
• gastritis with reduced secretory ability;
• enterocolitis, enteritis;
• neoplasms in the stomach and intestines;
• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, including due to tumors;
• third trimester of pregnancy;
• uterine bleeding;
• prolonged infections;
• blood loss during surgical interventions;
• period of breastfeeding;
• anorexia;
• menopause;
• osteomyelitis, rheumatism;
• myocardial infarction.

With normal hemoglobin

The lack of ferrum at a normal level of hemoglobin indicates a latent (latent) iron deficiency. It is due to the fact that at an early stage of the lack of this trace element, the body strains its own enzyme systems and removes it from its own reserves. For this reason, the rest of the blood parameters remain normal, the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin does not decrease - only the total iron-binding capacity of the serum changes. All this is explained by the fact that ferrum is present in the body in 3 forms:

• cellular - in the composition of hemoglobin;
• extracellular - in the form of plasma free trace elements, transport proteins;
• in the form of reserves - hemosiridin, ferritin.

Hemoglobin affects only the level of cellular ferrum, but a decrease in the amount of extracellular iron at the beginning proceeds without anemia. Hemoglobin decreases, but only over time. It is diagnosed already after the latent iron deficiency due to complete exhaustion its reserves are transformed into iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency with normal hemoglobin is noted in the following cases:

• in violation of the metabolism of mineral substances;
• after hemodialysis, forced diuresis;
• after procedures associated with the stimulation of defecation or urination.

How to boost

Severe anemia is treated for six months or longer, more mild form- for 2 months. The vast majority of patients are prescribed iron-containing drugs, but, in addition to taking them, a person needs to follow a special diet. Since iron deficiency is often associated with nutritional errors, the first step is to review your menu. The diet must include foods containing the maximum amount of this element:

• buckwheat;
• liver;
• pistachios;
• spinach;
• lentils;
• oatmeal;
• corn;
• cashew nuts;
• dogwood;
• broccoli;
• seaweed;
• beef;
• dried apricots;
• chicken;
• beet;
• apples;
• fish;
• legumes;
• chicken yolk;
• pumpkin seeds;
• dried mushrooms.

Must be consumed daily protein products, since the protein is involved in the construction of hemoglobin, which is further involved in the enrichment of the body with oxygen. To enhance the absorption of ferrum in the intestine, it is necessary to introduce ascorbic acid (vitamin C) into the diet - it is found in citrus fruits and sauerkraut. During pregnancy, iron deficiency is caused by a lack of folic acid. In this case, women are prescribed it in the form of drugs, although it is also found in products such as cabbage and kefir.

The second way to combat iron deficiency is to take iron supplements. If the absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract cannot be carried out, then the patient is prescribed parenteral forms of these drugs. They are administered intravenously or intramuscularly with a critical decrease in hemoglobin or ferrum. In the first case, a test dose is first administered, which will help to exclude adverse reactions. Often injections of the procedure are combined with a blood transfusion. Injections are produced mainly on the basis of ferric iron:

• Ferbitol;
• Ferkoven;
• Ferrum Lek.

They are administered intramuscularly, since with intravenous infusion there is a high risk of developing allergies. The drugs are administered diluted with saline at a rate of 50 mg/min. Do 2 injections every week. The average dosage for an adult is 100 mg per administration. The course of treatment lasts 2-3 weeks. Indications for intravenous administration are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which reduce the absorption of iron.

Using oral forms iron-containing drugs, the patient should receive 20-30 mg of the missing nutrient per day. For this purpose, drugs based on:

• divalent iron. They are considered obsolete, but have a lower cost. They are prescribed for increased acidity of the stomach, since hydrochloric acid disrupts the absorption of trivalent ferrum. Examples of this group of drugs are sulfate, gluconate and ferric chloride. The effect of treatment with them is already noticeable on the 10-12th day of the course of therapy.
• trivalent iron. They are chosen mainly at the initial stage of iron deficiency therapy. These drugs are highly effective and do not require strict intervals between meals and pills. The downside is that their bioavailability is lower compared to divalent ones. Examples of preparations based on ferric iron are Ferrocen, Ferrum lek, Maltofer.

Increased iron content in the blood

A condition in which the level of ferrum in the blood is elevated is rarer than iron deficiency. An excess of this element is diagnosed when its intake into the body exceeds its consumption and excretion. The critical value is 30.4 µmol/l. If this number is exceeded, the patient is diagnosed with an excess of ferrum. This is possible with some diseases and an overdose of iron-containing drugs. Symptoms of this deviation are:

• pain and swelling of the joints;
• loss of appetite;
• arthritis;
• nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• hair loss;
• muscle soreness;
• decreased libido.

The reasons

Less dangerous cause an excess of this trace element is an overdose of iron-containing drugs. In this case, they are canceled, after which the iron level should return to normal in a couple of days. Overdose occurs when using up to 200 mg of ferrum per day. The causes of excess include certain diseases and special cases:

• hemochromatosis;
• different types of anemia (hemolytic, aplastic, sideroblastic, hypoplastic)
• hemosiderosis;
• thalassemia;
• premenstrual period;
• frequent blood transfusions;
• viral and acute hepatitis;
• iron metabolism disorders;
• acute liver necrosis;
• chronic cholecystitis;
• hepatopathy.

How to reduce

Unlike treatment for iron deficiency, reducing ferrum levels requires avoiding the high-ferrum foods listed above. These are meat, beans, mushrooms, seafood, apples, pears, etc. It is also necessary to refuse drugs that improve the absorption of this element in the intestines. This applies to vitamins B and C, folic acid. Of the medications, the following help to lower the level of ferrum:

• heptapeptides;
• hepatoprotectors;
• zinc preparations;
• complexing agents.

Iron-binding drugs, such as Calcium Tetacin, Deferoxamine, Desferal, may also be used. Except medicines carry out special procedures:

• Phlebotomy - periodic bloodletting. Every week, about 350 ml of blood is taken from a person.
• Hirudotherapy. This is a treatment with leeches that feed on human blood. Due to this process, the level of iron decreases. This is due to the loss of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Donor blood transfusion. Such a donation is also called an exchange donation. It consists in taking blood from the bloodstream and simultaneously infusing donor blood.

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