According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, iron is a mineral that your body needs for many cellular functions. Lack of sufficient iron is known as anemia, and iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. In pregnant women, anemia can cause premature birth and delay normal infant motor and mental function. Anemia also causes fatigue. One of iron's most important functions is to carry oxygen in the red blood cells throughout the body in a protein known as hemoglobin. Iron is also needed for red blood cell production.
Normal Iron Levels
No one single test is used to diagnose anemia. Instead, a variety of blood tests measure various components of the blood. Hematocrit and hemoglobin tests are commonly used to measure the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood and the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A normal hematocrit level for adults is 41 percent to 50 percent for men and 36 percent to 44 percent in women. Normal hemoglobin levels in men are 13.5 to 16.5 g/dL and 12.0 to 15.0 g/dL in women.
Ferritin indirectly measures iron levels. Normal ferritin levels in men range from 12 to 300 ng (nanograms)/mL. Normal levels in women are 12 to 150 ng/mL. If your levels are in the "low normal" range, it is still possible to not have enough iron.
Signs of Anemia
According to the CDC, in mild cases of anemia, there may be no signs. Once anemia progresses, feeling weak and tired and having difficulty maintaining body temperature may be present. Decreased immune function is common, with an increased susceptibility to colds and infections. Glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, may appear.
Foods Rich in Iron
Iron-fortified cereals are among the best sources of iron. Commercially produced cereals contain anywhere from 1.8 to 21.1 mg of iron. Organ meats, such as liver, are another excellent source, with 5.2 to 9.9 mg per 3 oz. serving. Iron is absorbed better when consumed with foods rich in vitamin C. In addition to citrus fruits and juices, other vitamin-C rich foods include red and green bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, edible pea pods and sweet potatoes.
Causes of Anemia
The University of Maryland states that anemia may be caused by a poor diet. Your body only absorbs 1 mg of iron for every 10 mg to 20 mg consumed. Body changes such as pregnancy and lactation, and childhood growth spurts can increase iron needs. Blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, trauma and GI bleeding can cause anemia. Finally, GI tract abnormalities can affect the upper small intestine's ability to absorb iron.
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