16.04.2021 – 07:00
UCB Pharma
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Monheim (ots)
An undersupply of iron is one of the most common deficiency diseases. The iron expert, Dr. med. Doerthe Nicolas, doctor for holistic medicine from Meerbusch, advises patients specifically on iron deficiency therapies. It explains what patients should also look out for when it comes to recognizing and avoiding iron deficiency.
What are the risk groups for iron deficiency?
“Since most of the iron is in the blood, the body loses it with every bleeding. Women with regular and heavy menstrual bleeding therefore have a higher iron requirement than men of the same age and are more likely to suffer from a deficiency. Adolescents have to produce a lot of new blood during growth phases, which also needs a lot of iron. Other circumstances may affect the absorption of iron. These include diseases of the intestines and thyroid gland. Certain diets such as vegetarianism and veganism can also lead to insufficient iron intake. Red meat is the best source for this Trace element, because vegetable iron is much more difficult to process in the body. ”
Is it necessary or useful to have your iron level checked regularly?
“Normally, an iron test should be done when routine or preventive examinations show certain values are noticeably low or certain symptoms suggest an iron deficiency. The classic way of doing this is to do a small blood count and check the hemoglobin value. If this is low, it indicates indicates pronounced iron deficiency anemia. However, iron deficiency is not only reflected in anemia, which is why the ferritin value should also be recorded. ”
You said the ferritin level is also important and needs to be recorded in addition. Do patients expect additional costs for the determination?
“The ferritin value is not included in the small blood count as standard, but is indispensable for an early determination of whether the body’s iron stores are emptied. The health insurance company does not take over the ferritin measurement, which is why the patient has to bear the costs of around 16 euros himself. ”
Don’t be afraid of taking a blood sample: What should you watch out for before, during and after?
“As a rule, taking a blood sample goes completely smoothly. If you are still nervous or know that you have problems with taking blood samples, you should inform the practice team in advance. They can then take measures to make the process as pleasant as possible for the patient For some it helps, for example, to lie down or press a small ball.
You can also help make the blood draw faster and easier. If you drink some water before removing it, it improves the vein filling for the removal. In the case of “bad veins”, you can put a hot water bottle on the place where the removal is to take place beforehand. After acceptance, you should first take it easy and not get up too quickly. That protects the circulation. ”
How do you recognize your own iron requirement?
“One notices that one’s own needs are not adequately met when possible symptoms of iron deficiency occur, including fatigue, headaches, reduced (athletic) performance and also psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. For the diagnosis, the doctor examines the blood count, den Ferritin and CRP value (inflammation value). On this basis, he initiates appropriate therapy to refill the iron stores until the symptoms have cured and disappeared. If this is reached and you feel healthy again, the ferritin should be restored Value can be determined. This can then be used as an individual comfort value for future inspections. ”
Can home remedies for iron deficiency help?
“Unfortunately, I don’t think much of home remedies for iron deficiency. These are usually drops in the ocean and are not enough to compensate for the deficit in the case of iron deficiency. In some cases, however, home remedies such as herbal blood are suitable to make a contribution to prevention . ”
Many people want to eat less meat. What should they pay attention to in order to adequately meet their iron requirements?
“Eating less red meat and sausage is actually beneficial for your health. But because the body can absorb iron contained in plants less well than animal heme iron, a few things should be observed: Organic acids, vitamin C, cooked Onions and garlic promote the absorption of vegetable iron. Foods that contain phytins (e.g. black tea and coffee) or high levels of calcium (e.g. milk and eggs) and which inhibit iron utilization should be avoided. Legumes and nuts as well as other vegetable foods are comparatively good vegetable sources of iron. Yeast flakes are absolutely recommended, and molasses is particularly suitable for a vegan diet to provide iron, calcium and other minerals. ”
Press contact:
Joana Köpp
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0221 130 560 60
Original content by: UCB Pharma, transmitted by news aktuell
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